A 1880s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Effie since 1880
Babies named Effie per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1919, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Effie's real moment was 1882.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 5,850 |
| 1890s | 6,961 |
| 1900s | 5,870 |
| 1910s | 7,683 |
| 1920s | 7,171 |
| 1930s | 3,844 |
| 1940s | 2,327 |
| 1950s | 1,483 |
| 1960s | 798 |
| 1970s | 586 |
| 1980s | 302 |
| 1990s | 175 |
| 2000s | 220 |
| 2010s | 522 |
| 2020s | 464 |
Meaning & origin
Effie is a vintage name that has been climbing back into favor after decades of obscurity. First recorded in the U.S. in 1880, it reached its highest usage in 1882. After a long period of decline, it began rising again in 1993, reflecting a broader trend of reviving 1880s-era names. In 2025, it was given to roughly 1 in 19,601 girls, a modest but steady increase. The name saw particular popularity in Michigan, Ohio, and California. Its gentle sound and nickname-friendly form make it a natural for parents seeking a classic yet uncommon choice.
Effie originated as a diminutive of Euphemia, from Greek elements 'eu' (good) and 'pheme' (speech, reputation). It was popular in the 19th century, especially in Scotland and the United States, where it was often used independently. The name fell out of fashion after the 1920s but has seen a modest revival in recent decades.
Where Effie is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Effie” around the world
Where Effie lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
10
babies in 2024
Ireland
8
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Eff, Effy, Effie
Variants: Euphemia, Effi
Sibling names for Effie
Names that share Effie's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Ella, Mae, Nellie, Dora, Lula, Ammie, Bonny, Dessie, Georgie, Gertie, Hettie, Jeanie, Leatha, Lessie, Maudie, Mayme, Mertie, Tillie, Tressie, Blanchie, Clemmie, Cordie, Davie, Gennie, Glennie, Jeffie, Kizzie, Mallie, Martie, Mellie, Myrtie, Osie, Ressie, Sudie, Tennie, Vallie, Vennie, Willia, Beadie, Byrdie, Channie, Colie, Dellar, Dossie, Etty, Fronie, Gillie, Ivah, Lemmie, Lulla, Madgie, Matie, Mima, Mossie, Nanie, Nealie, Nezzie, Omie, Salli, Toye, Vannie, Vicie, Cannie, Clemie, Climmie, Cornie, Elfie, Fonnie, Fronnie, Hennie, Lattie, Lonia, Lulie, Magie, Manie, Merlie, Pernie, Tassie, Tiney, Venie, Vercie, Wessie, Zellie, Axie, Chattie, Dicy, Dulcy, Earsie, Epsie, Eulamae, Gretna, Hattye, Ibbie, Lodie, Lummie, Maidie, Mimie, Netty, Ninnie, Ocia, Orra, Parrie, Sibbie, Suda, Swannie, Tacie
Brothers: Otis, Theo, Jasper, Ezra, Miles, Odis, Arvil, Minor, Rosco, Simmie, Buren, Clide, Doss, Handy, Jiles, Oddie, Worley, Dewie, Eddye, Limmie, Oather, Obbie, Offie, Zebbie
