Declining since 2000, #2,183 for boys today.
Popularity of Efren since 1915
Babies named Efren per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 2007, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Efren's real moment was 2001.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 18 |
| 1920s | 163 |
| 1930s | 147 |
| 1940s | 209 |
| 1950s | 305 |
| 1960s | 476 |
| 1970s | 854 |
| 1980s | 1,135 |
| 1990s | 1,708 |
| 2000s | 1,773 |
| 2010s | 994 |
| 2020s | 416 |
Meaning & origin
Efren, a Spanish variant of the biblical Ephraim, has been in steady use in the United States since at least 1915. Its popularity peaked in 2001, when it ranked highest, though it has since declined, consistent with broader trends away from traditional Spanish names. As of 2025, Efren sits at rank 2,183, with roughly 1 in every 26,278 newborn boys receiving the name. The name has seen its strongest usage in states with large Hispanic populations, including Arizona, California, and Texas. Despite its decline since 2000, Efren remains a familiar choice within Hispanic communities, carrying a sense of religious heritage and cultural identity. The name's rarity today gives it a distinctive quality, balancing tradition with individuality.
Efren is primarily considered a Spanish variant of Ephraim, a biblical name from the Hebrew אֶפְרַיִם (Ephrayim), meaning 'fruitful' or 'doubly fruitful'. The name appears in the Old Testament as the second son of Joseph. While the Spanish form Efren has been used in the Philippines and Latin America, its exact derivation is sometimes debated, with some sources linking it to the Greek Euphraino, meaning 'to rejoice'.
Where Efren is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Ef, Effy, Fren
Sibling names for Efren
Names that share Efren's style, for a brother or sister.
