Caifàs: a male name of Aramaic origin meaning "This name derives from the Aramaic “Qypa” (Hebrew: ‘Kayafa’; Ancient Greek: ‘Kaïāìphās Καϊᾱìφᾱς’)".It derives from the Aramaic word "Qypa > Kayafa > Kaïā́phās".
The name Caifàs carries a rich history rooted in Aramaic culture. Derived from "Qypa > Kayafa > Kaïā́phās", this masculine name embodies the essence of This name derives from the Aramaic “Qypa” (Hebrew: ‘Kayafa’; Ancient Greek: ‘Kaïāìphās Καϊᾱìφᾱς’). Its linguistic journey through centuries reflects the cultural values and traditions of Aramaic-speaking communities.
Quick Facts About Caifàs
Quick facts about Caifàs
Origin
Aramaic
Gender
Boy name
Popularity
Moderately popular
Researched by Name Doctor Linguistics Team
Our names are verified by professional linguists with expertise in etymology and cultural naming traditions.
Last reviewed: November 2025
Meaning
This name derives from the Aramaic “Qypa” (Hebrew: ‘Kayafa’; Ancient Greek: ‘Kaïāìphās Καϊᾱìφᾱς’). Kayafa, in the New Testament, was the Roman-appointed Jewish high priest who is said to have organized the plot to kill Jesus. According to the Gospel accounts, Kayafa was the principal antagonist of Jesus. An ossuary of the high priest, Joseph Caiaphas, was found in Jerusalem in 1990. However, the authenticity of that discovery has been challenged by some scholars on various grounds.
Etymology & Details
Name Root
Qypa > Kayafa > Kaïā́phās
How to Pronounce Caifàs
Caifàs is pronounced /kaɪˈfɑːs/(Arabic)
Step-by-step pronunciation guide:
Break it into syllables: Cai-fàs
Say it like: "KAEEHFAHS"
Practice saying it naturally a few times
✓Pronunciation verified by linguistic sources
Usage & Popularity
This name has found popularity across spanish, catalan, and portuguese speaking regions, demonstrating its cross-cultural appeal and adaptability.
spanishcatalanportuguese
Frequently Asked Questions About Caifàs
What does the name Caifàs mean?
Caifàs means "This name derives from the Aramaic “Qypa” (Hebrew: ‘Kayafa’; Ancient Greek: ‘Kaïāìphās Καϊᾱìφᾱς’). Kayafa, in the New Testament, was the Roman-appointed Jewish high priest who is said to have organized the plot to kill Jesus. According to the Gospel accounts, Kayafa was the principal antagonist of Jesus. An ossuary of the high priest, Joseph Caiaphas, was found in Jerusalem in 1990. However, the authenticity of that discovery has been challenged by some scholars on various grounds.". The name comes from Qypa > Kayafa > Kaïā́phās. In its original form, the name derives from Kayafa (קַיָּפָא) Kaïā́phās (Καϊᾱ́φᾱς). This aramaic name has been passed down through generations, carrying its meaning across different cultures and time periods. Parents who choose Caifàs for boys often connect with the name's meaning of "This name derives from the Aramaic “Qypa” (Hebrew: ‘Kayafa’; Ancient Greek: ‘Kaïāìphās Καϊᾱìφᾱς’). Kayafa, in the New Testament, was the Roman-appointed Jewish high priest who is said to have organized the plot to kill Jesus. According to the Gospel accounts, Kayafa was the principal antagonist of Jesus. An ossuary of the high priest, Joseph Caiaphas, was found in Jerusalem in 1990. However, the authenticity of that discovery has been challenged by some scholars on various grounds." as a quality they hope to see in their child. While not the most common choice, Caifàs's meaningful roots have given it staying power among parents looking for a name with substance. The name is associated with qualities like BIBLICAL, reflecting its meaning in how people perceive those who carry it.
What is the origin of the name Caifàs?
Caifàs is a aramaic name. The name traces back to Qypa > Kayafa > Kaïā́phās. The original form Kayafa (קַיָּפָא) Kaïā́phās (Καϊᾱ́φᾱς) shows the name's roots in its native language. From its aramaic roots, Caifàs spread to become common in spanish, catalan, portuguese. The aramaic meaning "This name derives from the Aramaic “Qypa” (Hebrew: ‘Kayafa’; Ancient Greek: ‘Kaïāìphās Καϊᾱìφᾱς’). Kayafa, in the New Testament, was the Roman-appointed Jewish high priest who is said to have organized the plot to kill Jesus. According to the Gospel accounts, Kayafa was the principal antagonist of Jesus. An ossuary of the high priest, Joseph Caiaphas, was found in Jerusalem in 1990. However, the authenticity of that discovery has been challenged by some scholars on various grounds." reflects values important in the culture where this name first appeared.
Is Caifàs a boy or girl name?
Caifàs is a boy's name. The name has been used for boys across many generations, maintaining its masculine character through different eras and cultures. In aramaic tradition, Caifàs has historically been given to boys. The meaning "This name derives from the Aramaic “Qypa” (Hebrew: ‘Kayafa’; Ancient Greek: ‘Kaïāìphās Καϊᾱìφᾱς’). Kayafa, in the New Testament, was the Roman-appointed Jewish high priest who is said to have organized the plot to kill Jesus. According to the Gospel accounts, Kayafa was the principal antagonist of Jesus. An ossuary of the high priest, Joseph Caiaphas, was found in Jerusalem in 1990. However, the authenticity of that discovery has been challenged by some scholars on various grounds." carries well for a son, giving the name lasting appeal.
How do you pronounce Caifàs?
Caifàs is pronounced "/kaɪˈfɑːs/". This pronunciation follows ar language patterns. As a single-syllable name, Caifàs is quick to say and easy to call out. Pronunciation may vary slightly in spanish, catalan, portuguese, where the name is also used. Local accents and language rules can shift certain sounds while keeping the name recognizable. If you're unfamiliar with aramaic names, listening to a native speaker say Caifàs can help you catch the right rhythm and emphasis. The name's root Qypa > Kayafa > Kaïā́phās influences how Caifàs sounds in its original language.
How popular is the name Caifàs?
Caifàs is somewhat common, familiar to most people. With moderate popularity, Caifàs offers familiarity without being everywhere. It's the kind of name people recognize but don't hear every day. Caifàs's popularity may vary between aramaic communities and the broader population, where naming trends differ. The name's meaning of "This name derives from the Aramaic “Qypa” (Hebrew: ‘Kayafa’; Ancient Greek: ‘Kaïāìphās Καϊᾱìφᾱς’). Kayafa, in the New Testament, was the Roman-appointed Jewish high priest who is said to have organized the plot to kill Jesus. According to the Gospel accounts, Kayafa was the principal antagonist of Jesus. An ossuary of the high priest, Joseph Caiaphas, was found in Jerusalem in 1990. However, the authenticity of that discovery has been challenged by some scholars on various grounds." likely influences its appeal, as parents often choose names that express values or hopes for their children. Among boys' names, Caifàs holds its own, appealing to parents who value distinctive options.
Where is the name Caifàs commonly used?
Caifàs is common in spanish and catalan and portuguese naming traditions. Though aramaic in origin, Caifàs found a home in other cultures where it resonated with local naming preferences. Names that work across multiple cultures, like Caifàs, often have straightforward pronunciation and positive meanings that translate well. The meaning "This name derives from the Aramaic “Qypa” (Hebrew: ‘Kayafa’; Ancient Greek: ‘Kaïāìphās Καϊᾱìφᾱς’). Kayafa, in the New Testament, was the Roman-appointed Jewish high priest who is said to have organized the plot to kill Jesus. According to the Gospel accounts, Kayafa was the principal antagonist of Jesus. An ossuary of the high priest, Joseph Caiaphas, was found in Jerusalem in 1990. However, the authenticity of that discovery has been challenged by some scholars on various grounds." carries universal appeal, helping explain why different cultures adopted Caifàs into their naming traditions. A child named Caifàs will likely find their name recognized in multiple countries, which can be an advantage for families with international connections or who value global accessibility. Across these cultures, Caifàs is given to boys, maintaining consistent gender association.
What is the cultural significance of Caifàs?
Caifàs carries associations with BIBLICAL. These qualities shape how people perceive the name and those who carry it, creating expectations and first impressions. The name's meaning of "This name derives from the Aramaic “Qypa” (Hebrew: ‘Kayafa’; Ancient Greek: ‘Kaïāìphās Καϊᾱìφᾱς’). Kayafa, in the New Testament, was the Roman-appointed Jewish high priest who is said to have organized the plot to kill Jesus. According to the Gospel accounts, Kayafa was the principal antagonist of Jesus. An ossuary of the high priest, Joseph Caiaphas, was found in Jerusalem in 1990. However, the authenticity of that discovery has been challenged by some scholars on various grounds." reinforces these associations, connecting the literal translation to the character traits people expect. In aramaic culture, where Caifàs originates, these qualities held particular value, making the name a way to express hopes for a child's character. Research shows that names do influence perceptions. People form impressions based on names before meeting someone, which means choosing Caifàs sets certain expectations. Parents choosing Caifàs often connect with one or more of these associations, selecting the name because it represents qualities they value or wish for their child. In spanish communities, these associations may carry extra weight, as naming traditions often reinforce cultural values.
Sources: Etymology verified through linguistic research including Oxford Dictionary of First Names, Behind the Name, and academic etymology databases.