Origin and Meaning of Alpheus

The water, the river

Origin: Greek - Derived from the Greek word 'alpheios', which refers to a river in the region of Arcadia and is associated with water.

• Alpheus is a name with ancient Greek roots, often associated with mythological figures, including a river god in Greek mythology.
• In biblical contexts, Alpheus is mentioned as the father of James the Less, one of the apostles.
• The most notable bearers of the name include Alpheus, the river god who pursued the nymph Arethusa in mythology, and biblical characters from the New Testament.
• While not a common name today, Alpheus has seen usage among certain Christian communities, particularly in contexts relating to biblical names.
• Related names and variations include Alphaeus, which is another form of the name often found in biblical translations.