Cepheus: a male name of Greek origin meaning "This name derives from the Ancient Greek “Kēpheús (Κηφεύς),” of unknown meaning".It derives from the Greek word "Kēpheús".
Cepheus is a masculine name that means "This name derives from the Ancient Greek “Kēpheús (Κηφεύς),” of unknown meaning". Its Greek origins reflect deep cultural values and traditions that have been passed down through generations. Parents choosing this name often appreciate its profound significance and timeless appeal.
Quick Facts About Cepheus
Quick facts about Cepheus
Origin
Greek
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 Ancient Greek “Kēpheús (Κηφεύς),” of unknown meaning. 1) In Greek mythology, Cepheus was the name of one of the sons of Belus and Anchinoe. Brother of Egypt, Dànao, and Phineas was king of Ethiopia, which in Greek mythology included the territories from Palestine to the Red Sea. He married Cassiopeia and with her generated Andromeda. 2) Cepheus is one of the 88 modern constellations and was also one of the 48 constellations listed by Ptolemy.
Etymology & Details
Name Root
Kēpheús
How to Pronounce Cepheus
Cepheus is pronounced /ˈsiː.fi.əs/(Greek)
Step-by-step pronunciation guide:
Break it into syllables: Cep-heu-s
Say it like: "CEP-HEU-S"
Practice saying it naturally a few times
✓Pronunciation verified by linguistic sources
Usage & Popularity
Cepheus is predominantly used in greek speaking communities, where it maintains strong cultural connections and traditional significance.
greek
Frequently Asked Questions About Cepheus
What does the name Cepheus mean?
Cepheus means "This name derives from the Ancient Greek “Kēpheús (Κηφεύς),” of unknown meaning. 1) In Greek mythology, Cepheus was the name of one of the sons of Belus and Anchinoe. Brother of Egypt, Dànao, and Phineas was king of Ethiopia, which in Greek mythology included the territories from Palestine to the Red Sea. He married Cassiopeia and with her generated Andromeda. 2) Cepheus is one of the 88 modern constellations and was also one of the 48 constellations listed by Ptolemy.". The name comes from Kēpheús. In its original form, the name derives from Kēpheús (Κηφεύς). This greek name has been passed down through generations, carrying its meaning across different cultures and time periods. Parents who choose Cepheus for boys often connect with the name's meaning of "This name derives from the Ancient Greek “Kēpheús (Κηφεύς),” of unknown meaning. 1) In Greek mythology, Cepheus was the name of one of the sons of Belus and Anchinoe. Brother of Egypt, Dànao, and Phineas was king of Ethiopia, which in Greek mythology included the territories from Palestine to the Red Sea. He married Cassiopeia and with her generated Andromeda. 2) Cepheus is one of the 88 modern constellations and was also one of the 48 constellations listed by Ptolemy." as a quality they hope to see in their child. While not the most common choice, Cepheus's meaningful roots have given it staying power among parents looking for a name with substance. The name is associated with qualities like GREEK MYTHOLOGY (KINGS), reflecting its meaning in how people perceive those who carry it.
What is the origin of the name Cepheus?
Cepheus is a greek name. The name traces back to Kēpheús. The original form Kēpheús (Κηφεύς) shows the name's roots in its native language. The name remains closely tied to greek naming traditions while occasionally appearing in other cultures. The greek meaning "This name derives from the Ancient Greek “Kēpheús (Κηφεύς),” of unknown meaning. 1) In Greek mythology, Cepheus was the name of one of the sons of Belus and Anchinoe. Brother of Egypt, Dànao, and Phineas was king of Ethiopia, which in Greek mythology included the territories from Palestine to the Red Sea. He married Cassiopeia and with her generated Andromeda. 2) Cepheus is one of the 88 modern constellations and was also one of the 48 constellations listed by Ptolemy." reflects values important in the culture where this name first appeared.
Is Cepheus a boy or girl name?
Cepheus 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 greek tradition, Cepheus has historically been given to boys. The meaning "This name derives from the Ancient Greek “Kēpheús (Κηφεύς),” of unknown meaning. 1) In Greek mythology, Cepheus was the name of one of the sons of Belus and Anchinoe. Brother of Egypt, Dànao, and Phineas was king of Ethiopia, which in Greek mythology included the territories from Palestine to the Red Sea. He married Cassiopeia and with her generated Andromeda. 2) Cepheus is one of the 88 modern constellations and was also one of the 48 constellations listed by Ptolemy." carries well for a son, giving the name lasting appeal.
How do you pronounce Cepheus?
Cepheus is pronounced "/ˈsiː.fi.əs/". This pronunciation follows el language patterns. As a single-syllable name, Cepheus is quick to say and easy to call out. If you're unfamiliar with greek names, listening to a native speaker say Cepheus can help you catch the right rhythm and emphasis. The name's root Kēpheús influences how Cepheus sounds in its original language.
How popular is the name Cepheus?
Cepheus is somewhat common, familiar to most people. With moderate popularity, Cepheus offers familiarity without being everywhere. It's the kind of name people recognize but don't hear every day. Cepheus's popularity may vary between greek communities and the broader population, where naming trends differ. The name's meaning of "This name derives from the Ancient Greek “Kēpheús (Κηφεύς),” of unknown meaning. 1) In Greek mythology, Cepheus was the name of one of the sons of Belus and Anchinoe. Brother of Egypt, Dànao, and Phineas was king of Ethiopia, which in Greek mythology included the territories from Palestine to the Red Sea. He married Cassiopeia and with her generated Andromeda. 2) Cepheus is one of the 88 modern constellations and was also one of the 48 constellations listed by Ptolemy." likely influences its appeal, as parents often choose names that express values or hopes for their children. Among boys' names, Cepheus holds its own, appealing to parents who value distinctive options.
Where is the name Cepheus commonly used?
Cepheus is used primarily in greek naming traditions. The name originated in greek culture and spread as people migrated and cultures exchanged ideas. The meaning "This name derives from the Ancient Greek “Kēpheús (Κηφεύς),” of unknown meaning. 1) In Greek mythology, Cepheus was the name of one of the sons of Belus and Anchinoe. Brother of Egypt, Dànao, and Phineas was king of Ethiopia, which in Greek mythology included the territories from Palestine to the Red Sea. He married Cassiopeia and with her generated Andromeda. 2) Cepheus is one of the 88 modern constellations and was also one of the 48 constellations listed by Ptolemy." carries universal appeal, helping explain why different cultures adopted Cepheus into their naming traditions. A child named Cepheus 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, Cepheus is given to boys, maintaining consistent gender association.
What is the cultural significance of Cepheus?
Cepheus carries associations with GREEK MYTHOLOGY (KINGS). 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 Ancient Greek “Kēpheús (Κηφεύς),” of unknown meaning. 1) In Greek mythology, Cepheus was the name of one of the sons of Belus and Anchinoe. Brother of Egypt, Dànao, and Phineas was king of Ethiopia, which in Greek mythology included the territories from Palestine to the Red Sea. He married Cassiopeia and with her generated Andromeda. 2) Cepheus is one of the 88 modern constellations and was also one of the 48 constellations listed by Ptolemy." reinforces these associations, connecting the literal translation to the character traits people expect. In greek culture, where Cepheus 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 Cepheus sets certain expectations. Parents choosing Cepheus often connect with one or more of these associations, selecting the name because it represents qualities they value or wish for their child. In greek 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.