A 1880s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Ephraim since 1880
Babies named Ephraim per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 2017, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Ephraim's real moment was 1880.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 127 |
| 1890s | 76 |
| 1900s | 53 |
| 1910s | 275 |
| 1920s | 348 |
| 1930s | 186 |
| 1940s | 177 |
| 1950s | 228 |
| 1960s | 258 |
| 1970s | 439 |
| 1980s | 600 |
| 1990s | 634 |
| 2000s | 1,325 |
| 2010s | 2,182 |
| 2020s | 1,328 |
Meaning & origin
Ephraim is a biblical name that has been in continuous use in the United States since at least 1880, when it was most popular at rank 988. The name saw a revival beginning in the 1990s, with its popularity steadily rising since 1991 after a long period of decline. Despite its ancient roots, Ephraim remains relatively rare, with an incidence of about 1 in 7,394 births in 2025. It is most commonly found in Idaho, Utah, and Indiana, states with significant religious populations. The name carries strong Old Testament associations and a sense of heritage, making it a distinctive choice for parents seeking a name with depth and history.
Ephraim is a Hebrew name from the Old Testament, derived from the root פָּרָה (parah) meaning 'to bear fruit'. In the Bible, Ephraim was the second son of Joseph and Asenath, and his name was explained by Joseph as 'God has made me fruitful in the land of my affliction' (Genesis 41:52). The tribe of Ephraim became one of the most prominent in Israel, often symbolizing the northern kingdom. The name has been used by Jews and Christians for centuries, though it has never been common in English-speaking countries.
Where Ephraim 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.
“Ephraim” around the world
Where Ephraim lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
20
babies in 2024
Ireland
6
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Eph, Ephie
Sibling names for Ephraim
Names that share Ephraim's style, for a brother or sister.
