Cephus

Cephus has ancient Greek origins and appears as a variant of 'Cephas,' a name given to the apostle Simon Peter in the New Testament, meaning 'rock' or 'stone' in Aramaic (כיפא, Kēphā). The name has historical usage in various Christian communities across different time periods. In the United States, Cephus has appeared in records since the 19th century, often as a given name or surname particularly in southern states. While never among the most popular names, it has maintained consistent, if limited, usage over generations. The name carries biblical associations and reflects naming traditions that draw from religious texts. The pronunciation varies, with some saying 'SEE-fus' while others prefer 'SEF-us.' The name's classical roots give it a distinctive quality among contemporary naming patterns.

Pronounced SEF-us.

As of October 2026, Cephus ranked #12674 in US births in 2007 SSA, peaked at #865 in 1906.