Find out how popular the first name Ephratah has been for the last 9 years (from 2013 to 2021) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Ephratah by gender

Based on the last 9 years of data, Ephratah is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2021, there were 6 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Ephratah.

The history of the first name Ephratah

The name Ephratah has its origins in ancient Hebrew culture and language. It is derived from the Hebrew word "Ephrath," which was an ancient name for the region around Bethlehem. The name is believed to have emerged during the biblical era, sometime between the 2nd and 1st millennia BCE.

Ephratah is mentioned several times in the Hebrew Bible, also known as the Old Testament. In Genesis 35:16, Rachel, the wife of Jacob, is said to have died while giving birth to Benjamin near Ephrath, which is identified as Bethlehem. The Book of Ruth also references Ephratah as the place where Naomi and her family were from.

One of the earliest recorded individuals with the name Ephratah was a woman mentioned in 1 Chronicles 2:19, who was the wife of Caleb, a prominent figure in the biblical accounts of the Israelites' conquest of Canaan. However, details about her life are scarce.

In the Middle Ages, Ephratah was the name of a 12th-century German abbess who founded the Premonstratenian convent of St. Michael in Bamberg, Germany. She lived from approximately 1120 to 1185 and was renowned for her piety and leadership.

Another notable figure named Ephratah was a 16th-century German Protestant reformer and theologian. Born in 1521, Ephratah Schönfeld played a significant role in the Reformation movement and was a close associate of Martin Luther.

In more recent history, Ephratah Chambers was an American abolitionist and women's rights activist who lived from 1842 to 1921. She was a prominent figure in the anti-slavery movement and worked tirelessly to promote equal rights for women and African Americans.

Lastly, Ephratah Margono was an Indonesian writer and playwright who lived from 1929 to 2018. She was renowned for her contributions to the development of modern Indonesian literature and her plays, which often explored social and political themes.

While the name Ephratah is not widely used today, its historical significance and biblical connections make it a unique and meaningful choice for those interested in exploring their cultural and religious heritage.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Ephratah was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Ephratah, please contact us.

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