Alphäus

Alphäus is the Greek transliteration of an Aramaic name, likely related to the Hebrew root 'חלף' (ḥālap̄), meaning 'to change' or 'to exchange'. It is most notably known from the New Testament as the name of two men: the father of the apostle James (James the Less) and the father of the tax collector Levi (Matthew). This connection to biblical figures cemented its use, particularly in early Christian communities.

The name's usage has historically been confined almost exclusively to biblical contexts and scholarly discussions of the New Testament. It is not a name that gained widespread popularity as a given name in most cultures, unlike many other biblical names. Its primary significance lies in its historical and religious associations.