Rising since 1998, #6,446 for boys today.
Popularity of Efe since 1996
Babies named Efe per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1990s | 13 |
| 2000s | 122 |
| 2010s | 155 |
| 2020s | 81 |
Meaning & origin
The name Efe has seen modest but steady use in the United States since its first recorded appearance in 1996. It reached its peak popularity in 2012, and as of 2025 it ranks 6,446th among American boys, with a frequency of approximately 1 in 131,390 births. The name's trajectory has been generally rising since 1998, reflecting growing awareness of Nigerian names among U.S. parents. While not yet common in any single state, Efe carries distinct cultural weight: in its Nigerian Urhobo context, it signifies wealth and honor, while in Turkish it conveys bravery. This dual heritage makes Efe a meaningful choice for families looking to honor African or Turkish roots, or simply seeking a short, distinctive name with positive associations.
Efe originates from the Urhobo language of southern Nigeria, where it means "wealth" or "honor." It is often used as a standalone name or as a short form of names like Efeoghene. In Turkey, Efe is a masculine given name meaning "brave, valiant" (from Turkish efe "brave, bold, swaggering"). The name has gained modest usage in English-speaking countries since the 1990s, particularly in families with Nigerian heritage.
“Efe” around the world
Where Efe lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
10
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Sibling names for Efe
Names that share Efe's style, for a brother or sister.
