What does Ephrem mean and where does it come from?
Ephrem is a name of Hebrew origin, meaning 'fruitful'. It is historically associated with Saint Ephrem the Syrian, a prominent Christian theologian and hymnographer in the 4th century. The name is used in various forms in different countries, including Efrem (Russian), Efraim (Spanish), and Ephrem (
Cultural significance
Ephrem has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Hebrew-speaking communities, where it reflects values of hebrew.
Peak popularity
Reached #4607 in 1961 — currently #6568 in the US.
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Related Reading
Hebrew-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Ephrem?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Ephrem?
Ephrem works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Ephrem Jack
One syllable · timeless choice
Ephrem John
One syllable · timeless choice
Ephrem Luke
One syllable · timeless choice
Ephrem Miles
One syllable · vintage charm
Ephrem Beau
One syllable · on the rise
Ephrem Brooks
One syllable · timeless choice
How popular is Ephrem right now?
Rising fast — up 390 spots — currently #6568 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #6568 | 13 | ▲ up 390 · +8% births |
| 2024 | #6958 | 12 | ▼ down 942 · -20% births |
| 2023 | #6016 | 15 | ▼ down 70 |
| 2022 | #5946 | 15 | ▼ down 544 · -12% births |
| 2021 | #5402 | 17 | ▲ up 5367 · +183% births |
| 2020 | #10769 | 6 | ▼ down 3148 · -40% births |
| 2015 | #7621 | 10 | ▼ down 432 · -9% births |
| 2010 | #7189 | 11 | ▲ up 1305 · +38% births |
| 2005 | #8494 | 8 | — |
The story of Ephrem
Ephrem is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1961. With 177 total births recorded, Ephrem remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #8494 in 2005 to #6016 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Ephrem in 1961:
Ephrem by decade
Ephrem peaked in the 1960s. See all 1960s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1960s | 5 | |
| 1990s | 7 | |
| 2000s | 60 | |
| 2010s ★ | 99 | |
| 2020s | 31 | |
💎Ephrem has only 177 total recorded births since 1961 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Ephrem?
Famous people named Ephrem
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Ephrem (historical community leader)
Ephrem led communities across the ancient Near East who passed this name through generations.
E(
Ephrem (historical community leader)
Ephrem led communities across the ancient Near East who passed this name through generations.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2025
Explore →What names sound and feel like Ephrem?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Ephrem also consider these
Common questions about the name Ephrem
What does the name Ephrem mean?
Ephrem means "Hebrew" — a name rooted in Hebrew 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 Ephrem?
Ephrem is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Ephrem have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Ephrem?
Ephrem originates from Hebrew tradition. Hebrew names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
Is Ephrem trending right now?
Ephrem is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.
Is Ephrem a common or rare name?
Ephrem is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.