"fruitful, doubly fruitful"
Origin: Hebrew
Language: Hebrew
Ephraim
Pronunciation: [ EEFR-uhm ]
Does Ephraim flow with your last name?
An ancient Hebrew blessing — fruitful in every generation
Jewish
Christian
Mormon/LDS
African American
Traditional
Spiritual
Classic
Strong
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The Story of Ephraim
Ephraim is a Hebrew biblical name (אֶפְרַיִם) meaning 'fruitful' or 'doubly fruitful,' from the root 'para' (to be fruitful). In Genesis, Joseph named his second son Ephraim, saying 'God has made me fruitful in the land of my suffering.' Ephraim became one of the most powerful of the twelve tribes of Israel — so dominant, in fact, that the name 'Ephraim' was used by the Hebrew prophets as a synonym for the entire northern Kingdom of Israel.
Ephraim has been used continuously in Jewish communities for three thousand years. In the United States, it gained additional popularity among Mormon (LDS) families — Ephraim, Utah is named for the tribe and holds special covenant significance in LDS theology. It is experiencing renewed interest among parents seeking serious, historically deep biblical names.
Ephraim holds significant importance in multiple traditions: in Judaism as a leading tribe of Israel, in Christianity as a symbol of God's blessing and fruitfulness, and in Mormonism as a tribe with special covenantal significance. The tribe of Ephraim's dominance led to the name being used as a poetic term for all of Israel.
Historical Record
Ephraim first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 6,755 babies have been named Ephraim in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Ephraim is a hidden gem — rare but distinctive , currently ranked #982 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- The tribe of Ephraim was so powerful that the name 'Ephraim' is used as a synonym for the entire northern Kingdom of Israel in the Hebrew prophets
- Ephraim, Utah was settled by Mormon pioneers in 1853 and named after the biblical tribe, reflecting LDS theology about the tribe's modern covenant role
Ephraim in Other Languages
Greek
Ἐφραίμ
Latin
Ephraim
Arabic
أفرايم
Hebrew
אֶפְרַיִם
Spanish
Efraín
Popularity Over Time
#982
Current Rank
Stable
Trend
Hidden Gem
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Ephraim
E
Ephraim Kishon
Writer
1924
Hungarian-born Israeli satirist and filmmaker, one of the most widely read Israeli authors worldwide and two-time Academ...
Hungarian-born Israeli satirist and filmmaker, one of the most widely read Israeli authors worldwide and two-time Academy Award nominee
E
Ephraim (son of Joseph)
Other
Second son of Joseph and Asenath in Genesis; one of the twelve patriarchs and progenitor of the powerful tribe of Ephrai...
Second son of Joseph and Asenath in Genesis; one of the twelve patriarchs and progenitor of the powerful tribe of Ephraim
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Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 3
- Popularity Rank
- #982
- Total SSA Count
- 229
- Cultural Origins
- Jewish Christian Mormon/LDS African American
- Pronunciation
- Moderate
- Formality
- Formal
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Common Nicknames
Eph
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Classic pairing, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, traditional style, extended 2-3 combo
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Classic pairing, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, strong style, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, spiritual style, extended 2-3 combo
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Classic pairing, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, Christian heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
Middle Names
Middle Names for Ephraim
5 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Frequently Asked Questions About Ephraim
What does the name Ephraim mean?
"fruitful, doubly fruitful" (from Hebrew). Ephraim is a Hebrew biblical name (אֶפְרַיִם) meaning 'fruitful' or 'doubly fruitful,' from the root 'para' (to be fruitful). In Genesis, Joseph named his second son Ephraim, saying 'God has made me fruitful in the land of my suffering.' Ephraim became one of the most powerful of the twelve tribes of Israel — so dominant, in fact, that the name 'Ephraim' was used by the Hebrew prophets as a synonym for the entire northern Kingdom of Israel.
What is the origin of the name Ephraim?
Ephraim has Hebrew, Jewish, Christian, Mormon/LDS, and African American origins. In Hebrew, it means "fruitful, doubly fruitful".
Is Ephraim a boy or girl name?
Ephraim is primarily used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Ephraim?
Ephraim is pronounced EEFR-uhm.
How popular is the name Ephraim?
Ephraim is currently ranked #982 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Ephraim?
Common nicknames for Ephraim include Eph.
What are good middle names for Ephraim?
Popular middle name pairings include Ephraim James, Ephraim David, Ephraim John, Ephraim Thomas, and Ephraim Samuel.
What are good sibling names for Ephraim?
Names that pair well with Ephraim as siblings include Miriam, Naomi, Benjamin, Ezra, and Priscilla.
How many syllables does Ephraim have?
Ephraim has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.
Is Ephraim a common or rare name?
Ephraim is moderately common, ranked #982 for boys in the US. You will encounter it, but it stands out.
About the Name Ephraim
Ephraim is a boy name with Jewish, Christian, Mormon/LDS, and African American origins . The name means "fruitful, doubly fruitful" in Hebrew .
Ephraim is currently ranked #982 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Ephraim has 3 syllables and is pronounced EEFR-uhm, making it distinctive and memorable.
Common nicknames for Ephraim include Eph. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis