Cephus is an uncommon given name of Greek origin. It comes from the Greek word "Kephalos," which means "head." According to Greek mythology, Cephus was a king of Ethiopia who was known for his wisdom and courage.
The name Cephus was popular among early Christians due to its association with Saint Cephas, also known as Saint Peter. In the New Testament, Cephas is another name used for Peter, one of Jesus Christ's twelve apostles. As a result, the name Cephus has been used by some Christian families as a way to honor their faith.
Throughout history, several notable figures have borne the name Cephus. One example is Cephus of Cyzicus, an ancient Greek writer who lived around the 2nd century BCE. His works, which included philosophical and ethical treatises, were highly regarded by later philosophers such as Stoics and Epicureans.
Today, the name Cephus remains relatively rare but continues to be used by some families who appreciate its unique sound and historical significance. It is often spelled in various ways, including Cephas, Cefus, or Kefus, depending on the region and personal preference. Regardless of spelling, however, this uncommon name carries with it a rich history and meaning that sets it apart from more common names.
The name Cephus has a unique history of usage in the United States, with a total of 1,009 births recorded over the years. The earliest record of the name's usage is in 1888, with six babies given the name that year. This number remained steady for some time, with six births again in 1895.
Interesting fluctuations can be observed in the subsequent years. For instance, there were seven births each in 1900 and 1901, followed by a dip to six births in 1904. However, the number of births jumped to nine in 1906, indicating a period of popularity for the name.
The years between 1910 and 1922 saw a significant increase in the usage of the name Cephus, with peaks of 20 births in 1921 and 30 births in 1922. This suggests that there was a particular trend or influence that led parents to choose this name during this period.
However, after 1923, the number of births steadily decreased, indicating a decline in popularity for the name Cephus. The lowest point was reached in 1934 with only five births recorded that year.
Despite the overall decline, there were occasional spikes in usage. For example, there were 19 births in 1937 and 22 births in 1950. These fluctuations could be due to various factors such as regional trends, cultural influences, or personal preferences of parents.
In recent years, the name Cephus has been used less frequently, with only five births recorded each in 2001 and 2007. This suggests that while it may not be a highly popular name currently, there is still some usage of it in modern times.
Overall, the statistics show that while the name Cephus has had periods of popularity throughout its history in the United States, its usage has been relatively limited compared to many other names. However, with over 1,000 births recorded, it can be considered a distinct and notable name choice.