Cephas is a masculine given name of Aramaic origin, directly derived from the Aramaic word kēp̄ā meaning "rock". In the Christian New Testament, Cephas was the name given by Jesus to the apostle Simon, son of Jonah, to signify that he would be the foundational rock of the Christian church. The Gospel of John (1:42) records the moment: “Thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, A stone.” In most Biblical translations of the New Testament, the name appears in its Greek form Πέτρος (Peter), rendering the same “rock” meaning in Greek, whereas some ancient manuscripts and the Latin Vulgate preserve the northern dialectal form Cephas. Etymology and Linguistic Background The name entered Latin via Ancient Greek Κηφᾶς (Kēphâs), ultimately from Aramaic כֵּיפָא (Classical Syriac ܟܐܦܐ, both meaning “stone, rock”). Unlike Peter, which is used in most modern versions, Cephas appears as a distinct choice when translators favor the Aramaic original over its Greek equivalent. The name’s usage as a given name spans primarily Christian communities—especially those that value the original Aramaic word. Notably, the Basque cognate Kepa and the direct biblical Greek transcription Kephas exist as variant forms. The name Cephas also serves as an English surname derived from its nickname. Notable Bearers Beyond Simon Peter While the principal bearer is the apostle Peter, other individuals called Cephas appear in the New Testament narrative, such as the person reported in 1 Corinthians (1:12, 3:22, 9:5, 15:5) who was prominent in the early Christian communities. Historical figures from various denominations have employed Cephas as a religious name, a given name, or a baptismal name emphasizing apostolic origins. In English-speaking contexts, Cephas was occasionally used from the 17th century onward, partly influenced by Puritan and nonconformist naming practices that sought out biblical names. Cultural Significance Because the word kēp̄ā literally means “rock,” Cephas reinforces the theological metaphor of the church being built upon the faith of Peter (see Matthew 16:18). This symbolic weight endures in ecumenical discussions and Christian art, where Cephas appears on rare occasion as emblematic of apostolic authority. The New Testament’s dual naming (Cephas/Peter/Simon) serves as a scriptural reference point for name changes marking divine calls, paralleled by other leaders such as Abraham (prior Abram) in the Old Testament. Meaning: “rock” (Aramaic) Type: Biblical given name (also used as surname) Primary usage regions: English, Latin-tradition Christian communities Related form: Peter (Greek), Kepa (Basque)