The name Efren is of Greek origin, derived from the word "euphron," which means "cheerful" or "joyful." It dates back to ancient times and has been used across various cultures and regions.

In the Byzantine Empire, the name Efren was relatively common and can be found in historical records from the 4th to 15th centuries. It was particularly popular among the Greek Orthodox Christian community.

One of the earliest recorded individuals with the name Efren was Saint Ephraim the Syrian, a prominent theologian and hymnographer who lived between 306 and 373 AD. He was known for his extensive writings and contributions to the development of Christian theology.

During the Middle Ages, the name Efren gained popularity in parts of Europe, particularly in Spain and Italy. In Spain, it was often spelled as "Efrén" or "Efrén."

In the 16th century, Efren Álvarez de Córdoba was a renowned Spanish poet and playwright. He was born in Córdoba in 1513 and is known for his works "El Viaje al Parnaso" (The Journey to Parnassus) and "La Conquista de México" (The Conquest of Mexico).

In the 17th century, Efren de la Cruz was a notable Mexican Franciscan friar and missionary. He was born in Querétaro in 1637 and played a significant role in evangelizing the indigenous populations of New Spain (present-day Mexico).

In the 19th century, Efren Quintana was a prominent Venezuelan poet and political activist. He was born in Caracas in 1819 and was known for his patriotic and revolutionary poems, as well as his involvement in the struggle for independence.

Another notable figure was Efren Rebolledo, a Mexican military leader and politician who lived from 1837 to 1912. He played a crucial role in the Mexican Revolution and served as the Governor of Coahuila from 1901 to 1905.

While the name Efren has maintained its presence throughout history, it has also evolved and been adapted to different cultures and languages, resulting in various spellings and pronunciations.