The name Efrain has its origins in the ancient Greek language, tracing back to the Biblical name "Ephraim". This name is derived from the Hebrew words "ephrath" meaning "fruitful" and "parah" meaning "to bear fruit". In the Old Testament, Ephraim was one of the sons of Joseph and the progenitor of one of the twelve tribes of Israel.

The earliest recorded use of the name Efrain can be found in the Book of Genesis, where Ephraim is mentioned as one of the two sons of Joseph and Asenath. The name gained popularity among early Christian communities, particularly in regions where Greek and Latin languages were widely spoken.

In the Middle Ages, the name Efrain was used by several notable individuals. One of the earliest recorded examples is Efrain the Grammarian, a 9th-century Byzantine scholar who made significant contributions to the study of Greek grammar and rhetoric.

During the Renaissance period, the name Efrain gained prominence among artists and intellectuals. Efrain de la Croix, a 16th-century Flemish painter, was renowned for his religious works and portraits of noblemen.

In the 19th century, Efrain Rios Montt, a Guatemalan military officer and politician who served as the de facto ruler of Guatemala from 1982 to 1983, was born in 1926 and lived until 2018.

Another notable figure with the name Efrain is Efrain Huerta, a Mexican poet and playwright born in 1914. His literary works explored themes of social injustice and the experiences of marginalized communities in Mexico.

In the field of sports, Efrain Chacurian, an Armenian-Mexican basketball player who represented Mexico in international competitions, was born in 1969 and played professionally until the early 2000s.

While the name Efrain has its roots in the ancient world, it continues to be used across various cultures and regions, particularly in Spanish-speaking countries, where it has maintained a strong presence throughout history.