A 1880s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Euphemia since 1880
Babies named Euphemia per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1915, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Euphemia's real moment was 1880.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 56 |
| 1890s | 86 |
| 1900s | 59 |
| 1910s | 154 |
| 1920s | 144 |
| 1930s | 51 |
| 1940s | 6 |
| 1950s | 16 |
| 1960s | 11 |
| 1970s | 30 |
| 1980s | 5 |
| 1990s | 0 |
| 2000s | 0 |
| 2010s | 64 |
| 2020s | 89 |
Meaning & origin
Euphemia is a name of classical Greek origin that enjoyed modest popularity in the late 19th century, peaking in 1880 when it ranked 6,116th. Today it is exceedingly rare, with only 1 in 84,593 newborns receiving the name in 2025. Yet its trajectory has been rising since 2008, suggesting a quiet revival among parents drawn to ornate Victorian-era names. The name's long history as a saint's name and its melodic, four-syllable rhythm give it an old-fashioned charm that feels fresh again. Euphemia remains most closely associated with Scotland, where the nickname Effie was especially common, and its revivalist trend signals growing appreciation for its elegant, literary sound.
Euphemia is derived from the Greek elements 'eu' (good) and 'phemi' (to speak), meaning 'well-spoken' or 'of good repute'. The name was borne by an early Christian martyr, Saint Euphemia, who was venerated in both Eastern and Western traditions. It became popular in the English-speaking world during the 19th century, especially in Scotland, and has a revivalist appeal today.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Effie, Phemie, Eppie
Variants: Eufemia, Evfemija
Sibling names for Euphemia
Names that share Euphemia's style, for a brother or sister.
