The name Ephrem is of Hebrew origin and its meaning is "fruitful, prolific." It was the name of a renowned Syrian theologian and poet who lived in the fourth century and is considered one of the most important figures in early Christianity.
Ephrem was born around 306 AD in Nisibis, which is now located in southeastern Turkey. He came from a wealthy family but gave up his inheritance to become a monk. Ephrem was a prolific writer and composed hymns, commentaries, and homilies that were widely influential in the early Christian church.
The name Ephrem has been used throughout history by several notable figures. In addition to the aforementioned theologian, there is also Saint Ephrem the Younger who lived in the ninth century and was known for his ascetic lifestyle and miraculous deeds.
Today, the name Ephrem is still used around the world but it remains relatively rare compared to other names. It has been popular among Christians due to its association with the early church fathers like Saint Ephrem the Syrian.
"The name Ephrem has experienced varied popularity over the decades, peaking recently with 225 total births recorded between 1961 and 2023."