"rock, stone"
Origin: Aramaic
Language: Aramaic
Cephas
Pronunciation: [ s-EHF-uhz ]
Does Cephas flow with your last name?
The rock upon which all else is built
Christian
Biblical
American
African-American
Caribbean
Biblical
Strong
Ancient
Spiritual
Solid
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Meaning & Origin
"the rock"
Origin: Aramaic/Biblical
Language: English
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The Story of Cephas
Cephas is one of the most historically significant names in Christianity — it is the Aramaic name Jesus himself gave to Simon, the chief apostle. In Aramaic, kepha means rock or stone, which Jesus translated into Greek as Petros (Peter). So Cephas and Peter are the exact same name in different languages. The Apostle Paul uses Cephas frequently in his letters (1 Corinthians, Galatians), giving the name its biblical authority. Cephas represents the raw, ancient Aramaic form of the name that became the foundation of the Christian church, literally meaning the rock upon which the church was built.
Cephas has seen modest use among devout Christian families, particularly in African-American Baptist communities, Caribbean communities, and among families who appreciate its direct biblical connection to the Apostle Peter.
Cephas holds unique theological significance as the name Jesus personally bestowed upon Simon Peter — the only instance recorded in the Gospels of Jesus renaming a disciple. It represents faithfulness, strength, and the foundation of the Christian church.
Historical Record
Cephas first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 440 babies have been named Cephas in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Cephas is past its peak , currently ranked #9,454 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Jesus personally gave this name to Simon Peter, saying You are Peter and on this rock I will build my church
- Paul uses Cephas (not Peter) 9 times in his New Testament letters
- The name Peter, Petros, Pierre, Pedro, and Pietro are all translations of Cephas into different languages
Cephas in Other Languages
Greek
Kephas
Latin
Cephas
French
Kephas
Aramaic
Kepha
Spanish
Cefas
Popularity Over Time
#9,454
Current Rank
Rare
Trend
Peaked 1956
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Cephas
C
Cephas Mwelase
Musician
1941
South African gospel and traditional Zulu musician
S
Simon Peter (Cephas)
Religious
The Aramaic name of Simon Peter, chief apostle of Jesus Christ and first Pope of the Catholic Church
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Compare Cephas with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #9,454
- Total SSA Count
- 9
- Cultural Origins
- Christian Biblical American African-American Caribbean
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Formal
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Common Nicknames
Ceph
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, Christian heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Cephas
5 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sounds Like Cephas
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Sibling Match
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Same Origin Names (Christian)
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Old French mont via Latin mons origin
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Boy
Basque origin
"new house, new home"
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Bliss
Boy
Old English origin
"perfect joy, supreme happiness"
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Greek origin
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Celtic origin
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Frequently Asked Questions About Cephas
What does the name Cephas mean?
"rock, stone" (from Aramaic). "the rock" (from Aramaic/Biblical). Cephas is one of the most historically significant names in Christianity — it is the Aramaic name Jesus himself gave to Simon, the chief apostle. In Aramaic, kepha means rock or stone, which Jesus translated into Greek as Petros (Peter). So Cephas and Peter are the exact same name in different languages. The Apostle Paul uses Cephas frequently in his letters (1 Corinthians, Galatians), giving the name its biblical authority. Cephas represents the raw, ancient Aramaic form of the name that became the foundation of the Christian church, literally meaning the rock upon which the church was built.
What is the origin of the name Cephas?
Cephas has Aramaic, Aramaic/Biblical, Christian, Biblical, American, African-American, and Caribbean origins. In Aramaic, it means "rock, stone". In Aramaic/Biblical, it means "the rock".
Is Cephas a boy or girl name?
Cephas is primarily used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Cephas?
Cephas is pronounced s-EHF-uhz.
How popular is the name Cephas?
Cephas is currently ranked #9454 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Cephas?
Common nicknames for Cephas include Ceph.
What are good middle names for Cephas?
Popular middle name pairings include Cephas John, Cephas Paul, Cephas James, Cephas Andrew, and Cephas Emmanuel.
What are good sibling names for Cephas?
Names that pair well with Cephas as siblings include Silas, Phineas, Barnabas, and Matthias.
How many syllables does Cephas have?
Cephas has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Cephas a common or rare name?
Cephas is an uncommon name, ranked #9454 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
What boy names are similar to Cephas?
About the Name Cephas
Cephas is a boy name with Christian, Biblical, American, African-American, and Caribbean origins . The name means "rock, stone" in Aramaic .
Cephas is currently ranked #9,454 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Cephas has 2 syllables and is pronounced s-EHF-uhz, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Cephas include Ceph. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis