Holding steady.
Popularity of Effa since 1880
Babies named Effa per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1889, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Effa's real moment was 1880.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 107 |
| 1890s | 79 |
| 1900s | 26 |
| 1910s | 42 |
| 1920s | 46 |
| 1930s | 0 |
| 1940s | 12 |
| 1950s | 0 |
| 1960s | 0 |
| 1970s | 0 |
| 1980s | 0 |
| 1990s | 0 |
| 2000s | 0 |
| 2010s | 0 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Effa is a rare given name that first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1880, with its peak year of use coinciding with that year. It has never ranked among the top 1,000 names, and its trajectory has remained stable at very low usage levels. The name's origins are unclear, but it is thought to be a variant of Eva or a feminine form of Effie, which itself may derive from the Greek name Euphemia. Despite its obscurity, Effa carries a soft, vintage charm that aligns with other late 19th-century names like Ada and Emma. Its simplicity and ease of pronunciation make it a distinctive choice for parents seeking an uncommon name with historical roots.
Effa likely originated as a variant or diminutive of Eva or Effie. Effie is often a short form of Euphemia, a Greek name meaning 'well-spoken' or 'of good report'. The name Effa saw modest use in the late 19th century, particularly in the United States, where it appeared in records from 1880. Its usage has remained stable but rare.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Effie
Sibling names for Effa
Names that share Effa's style, for a brother or sister.
