Efraim

Meaning & origin

Efraim, a variant spelling of the biblical Ephraim, has been in use in the United States since at least 1920, with a notable upward trajectory from 1988 onward. In 2025, it ranked #2,572, given to roughly one in every 33,492 boys. Its peak year was 2023, reflecting growing interest in traditional Hebrew names. New Jersey and New York, states with large Jewish populations, were the top states of occurrence. The name's etymology ties directly to the Hebrew verb 'parah' (to be fruitful), echoing Joseph's gratitude in the Book of Genesis. Historically carried by a leading tribe of Israel, Efraim balances biblical resonance with a less Anglicized feel. Its recent resurgence aligns with broader trends favoring Old Testament names that honor cultural heritage without sounding outdated.

Efraim is the Hebrew name Ephraim, borne in the Bible by the younger son of Joseph. The name derives from the Hebrew verb 'parah' (to be fruitful). In the Old Testament, Joseph named his son Ephraim because God had made him fruitful in the land of his affliction. The tribe of Ephraim became one of the leading tribes of Israel. The spelling Efraim reflects a common transliteration in Jewish communities, especially in Ashkenazi contexts, while Ephraim is more typical in English Bibles.