Meaning and history
Latinized form of Greek Ἥφαιστος (Hephaistos), of unknown meaning. It probably shares its origin with the Minoan city of Φαιστός (Phaistos), which is of pre-Greek origin. In Greek mythology, Hephaestus was the god of fire and forging and the husband of the unfaithful Aphrodite; his mother Hera was said to have thrown him from Mount Olympus after his birth because she was displeased by his physical deformities.