Ephraim

“אֶפְרָיִם - 'fruitful'”

Israel origin · Boy name

♂ 97% boys♀ 3% girls

#986US 2023

223Births / yr

↑Rising

7.1kAll-time births

📅 Since 188000.02% of births at peak

How to pronounce Ephraim

EE·frum

/ˈiː.frəm/ · stress on EE · 2 syllables

“אֶפְרָיִם - 'fruitful'”

Israel origin · Boy name

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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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

How popular is Ephraim right now?

Rising fast — up 98 spots — currently #986 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1880–2023#986 · Top 0.73%

1965

1970

1975

1980

1985

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

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	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Ephraim

Best Year2015Rank #927

Peak Count230

Average Rank#1318

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1900 - 202327 years

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:

John William James Charles George

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?

Common

Eph

What names sound and feel like Ephraim?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Ephraim also consider these

Ephrim

Hebrew · Fruitful

Ephrayim

International · A International name

Ephrain

Hebrew · Fruitful; fertile

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

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.