Ephraim
Ephraim is a boy's name of Hebrew origin.
Meaning
Fruitful, fertile, or productive.
Origin and history
Ephraim is a traditional biblical name of Hebrew origin meaning fruitful or productive. Historically used in Puritan and traditional communities, it has experienced a modern resurgence in the United States. Its classic roots and distinctive sound appeal to parents seeking a timeless, traditional name.
Popularity in the United States
8,236 babies in the United States have been named Ephraim since 1880. It ranks #1330 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #926.
States where it is most popular
- NY (24.2 %)
- PA (11.2 %)
- CA (9.8 %)
- TX (7.5 %)
- NJ (6.1 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 127 |
| 1890-1900 | 76 |
| 1900-1910 | 53 |
| 1910-1920 | 275 |
| 1920-1930 | 348 |
| 1930-1940 | 186 |
| 1940-1950 | 177 |
| 1950-1960 | 228 |
| 1960-1970 | 258 |
| 1970-1980 | 439 |
| 1980-1990 | 600 |
| 1990-2000 | 634 |
| 2000-2010 | 1,325 |
| 2010-2019 | 2,182 |
| 2020-2029 | 1,328 |
Famous people named Ephraim
- Ephraim Zimbalist Jr.: Actor
- Ephraim Chambers: Writer, Encyclopedist
Nicknames
Eph, Ephie
Fun facts
- In the Hebrew Bible, Ephraim received a special blessing from his grandfather Jacob over his elder brother Manasseh.
- The name was widely favored among American Puritans in the 17th and 18th centuries.