A 1960s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Efrem since 1926
Babies named Efrem per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1959, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Efrem's real moment was 1967.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1920s | 5 |
| 1930s | 0 |
| 1940s | 11 |
| 1950s | 98 |
| 1960s | 612 |
| 1970s | 312 |
| 1980s | 181 |
| 1990s | 138 |
| 2000s | 125 |
| 2010s | 73 |
| 2020s | 29 |
Meaning & origin
Efrem, a variant of the ancient Hebrew name Ephraim, has a long history of use in religious contexts, particularly among Eastern Christian communities. First recorded in U.S. data in 1926, the name saw its peak popularity in 1967, though it has never been a common choice, with a rank of 10,695 in 2025 and about 1 in 284,679 male births. After a period of decline, Efrem has been steadily rising in usage since 2021, suggesting a revival that aligns with a renewed interest in vintage biblical names. Its biblical roots and distinctive spelling give it a timeless quality, appealing to parents seeking a name with religious significance and a unique sound.
Efrem is a variant of Ephraim, from the Hebrew name Ephrayim meaning 'fruitful'. In the Old Testament, Ephraim was the second son of Joseph and the founder of one of the twelve tribes of Israel. The name has been used among Christians and Jews, and its spelling Efrem is particularly common in Eastern Christian traditions and among some Slavic cultures.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Ef, Efy, Rem
Sibling names for Efrem
Names that share Efrem's style, for a brother or sister.
