What does Ephraim mean and where does it come from?
Ephraim is a Hebrew name that appears in the Bible, where Ephraim is one of the sons of Joseph and is considered the father of one of the tribes of Israel. The name means 'fruitful' or 'double fruit', reflecting Joseph's prosperity in Egypt. It is a popular name among Jewish families and has been us
Cultural significance
Ephraim has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Israel-speaking communities, where it reflects values of אֶפְרָיִם - 'fruitful'.
Peak popularity
Reached #407 in 1880 — currently #986 in the US.
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Related Reading
Israel-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Ephraim?
Ephraim works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Ephraim Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Ephraim Rose
Floral · soft ending
Ephraim Mae
Sweet · timeless
Ephraim Claire
French influence · crisp
Ephraim Jane
Literary · strong
Ephraim Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Ephraim right now?
Rising fast — up 98 spots — currently #986 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #986 | 223 | ▲ up 98 · +11% births |
| 2022 | #1084 | 201 | ▼ down 108 · -12% births |
| 2021 | #976 | 228 | ▲ up 25 · +9% births |
| 2020 | #1001 | 209 | ▼ down 74 · -9% births |
| 2015 | #927 | 230 | ▲ up 141 · +28% births |
| 2010 | #1068 | 180 | ▲ up 62 · +25% births |
| 2005 | #1130 | 144 | ▲ up 230 · +55% births |
| 2000 | #1360 | 93 | ▲ up 243 · +63% births |
| 1995 | #1603 | 57 | ▼ down 116 · -2% births |
| 1990 | #1487 | 58 | ▼ down 272 · -5% births |
| 1985 | #1215 | 61 | ▲ up 78 · +17% births |
| 1980 | #1293 | 52 | ▲ up 66 · +27% births |
| 1975 | #1359 | 41 | ▼ down 21 · +5% births |
| 1970 | #1338 | 39 | ▲ up 151 · +44% births |
| 1965 | #1489 | 27 | — |
The story of Ephraim
Ephraim has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. With 7,086 total births recorded, Ephraim remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #407 in 1880, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #986 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Ephraim in 1880:
Ephraim by decade
Ephraim peaked in the 1880s. See all 1880s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 127 | |
| 1890s | 76 | |
| 1900s | 53 | |
| 1910s | 275 | |
| 1920s | 348 | |
| 1930s | 186 | |
| 1940s | 177 | |
| 1950s | 228 | |
| 1960s | 258 | |
| 1970s | 439 | |
| 1980s | 600 | |
| 1990s | 631 | |
| 2000s | 1,312 | |
| 2010s ★ | 2,167 | |
| 2020s | 209 | |
💎With 7,086 total births, Ephraim is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Ephraim?
What names sound and feel like Ephraim?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Ephraim also consider these
How is Ephraim written in other languages?
אֶפְרָיִם
Hebrew), Εφραιμ (Ancient Greek
Common questions about the name Ephraim
What does the name Ephraim mean?
Ephraim means "אֶפְרָיִם - 'fruitful'" — a name rooted in Israel tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Ephraim?
Ephraim is currently ranked #986 as a boy name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Ephraim?
Ephraim originates from Israel tradition. Israel names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Ephraim?
Ephraim is a two-syllable name pronounced IY1 F R AH0 M. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Ephraim a common or rare name?
Ephraim is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.