Several of the Twelve are known by more than one name in the Gospels. This chart shows the alternate names and nicknames given to and used by each.
| Disciple | Alternate Name/Nickname | Meaning/Note | Scripture Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peter | Simon; Cephas | Jesus renamed Simon as Peter/Cephas, meaning “rock.” | John 1:42; Matthew 16:18; Mark 3:16 |
| Andrew | — | No alternate name recorded in Scripture. | — |
| James (son of Zebedee) | Boanerges; Son of Thunder | Jesus gave James and John the name Boanerges, meaning “Sons of Thunder.” | Mark 3:17 |
| John (son of Zebedee) | Boanerges; Son of Thunder | Jesus gave John and James the name Boanerges, meaning “Sons of Thunder.” | Mark 3:17 |
| Philip | — | No alternate name recorded in Scripture. | — |
| Nathanael | Bartholomew | Bartholomew appears in the lists of the Twelve and is traditionally identified with Nathanael. | Matthew 10:3; Mark 3:18; Luke 6:14 |
| Matthew | Levi | Matthew is called Levi in Mark and Luke. | Mark 2:14; Luke 5:27 |
| Thomas | Didymus | Didymus means “twin.” | John 11:16; John 20:24; John 21:2 |
| James (son of Alphaeus) | James the Less | Likely used to distinguish him from James son of Zebedee. | Mark 15:40 |
| Thaddaeus | Judas son of James | The same apostle is called Thaddaeus in Matthew and Mark, and Judas son of James in Luke and Acts. | Luke 6:16; Acts 1:13; Matthew 10:3; Mark 3:18 |
| Simon the Zealot | Simon the Cananaean or Canaanite | “Cananaean” is another term for Zealot, not a reference to Cana or Canaan. | Matthew 10:4; Mark 3:18; Luke 6:15 |
| Judas Iscariot | Judas son of Simon Iscariot | Scripture identifies him as the son of Simon Iscariot. | John 6:71; John 13:26 |
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