The name Efrem has its origins in the Greek language and culture. It is derived from the Greek name Ephraim, which in turn comes from the Hebrew name Ephrayim. The name Ephrayim can be traced back to the biblical figure of the same name, who was one of the sons of Joseph and a progenitor of one of the twelve tribes of Israel.

The name Efrem is a variant spelling of the Greek name Ephraim, which was widely used in the Byzantine Empire and the Eastern Orthodox Christian tradition. It was a popular name among early Christian saints and scholars, including Saint Ephrem the Syrian (306-373 AD), a prominent theologian and hymnographer of the Syriac Christian tradition.

One of the earliest recorded examples of the name Efrem can be found in the writings of the 4th-century Christian scholar and monk, Ephrem the Syrian. He was a prolific writer and is considered one of the most important figures in the development of Syriac literature and theology.

Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals who bore the name Efrem. One of the most famous was Ephraim Amu (1899-1995), a Ghanaian composer, philosopher, and teacher, who is considered the founder of modern Ghanaian choral music.

Another notable figure was Ephraim Isakhovitch Sklyansky (1892-1925), a Soviet revolutionary and political leader who played a significant role in the Russian Civil War and the early years of the Soviet Union.

In the field of literature, Efrem Zimbalist (1889-1985) was a prominent Russian-American violinist and composer who made significant contributions to the development of American classical music.

The Byzantine scholar and theologian Ephraim of Antioch (7th century AD) was another influential figure who bore the name Efrem. He was a prominent defender of the Orthodox Christian faith during a time of theological disputes and controversies.

These are just a few examples of notable individuals throughout history who carried the name Efrem or a variant spelling. The name has a rich cultural and historical significance, particularly within the Eastern Orthodox Christian tradition and in various regions where Greek and Syriac cultural influences were strong.