Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Effie
GirlGreek, Scottish· “diminutive of Euphemia, well spoken”
- Meaning
- diminutive of Euphemia, well spoken
- Origin
- Greek, Scottish
- Pronunciation
- EF-ee
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #2,245
- US babies 2025
- 82
- Best rank
- #55 (1882)
- Peak year
- 1919
Meaning and origin of Effie
Effie is a Greek and Scottish name that means “diminutive of Euphemia, well spoken”.
Effie is a Scottish and English diminutive of Euphemia, a Greek name meaning "well spoken," from eu, "good," and phemi, "to speak." Saint Euphemia, an early Christian martyr, made the name widespread in both Eastern and Western churches. Effie was popular in Scotland in the nineteenth century, and readers today may know Effie Trinket in The Hunger Games. It is said EF-ee. Euphemia and Phemie are related forms. It sits comfortably beside Hattie, Millie and Elsie as a vintage revival.
Popularity over time
Effie has been given to babies in the United States since at least 1880, the first year of Social Security records. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 80 different years. Its best national rank was #55 in 1882, and the most babies received it in 1919, when 929 were named Effie. In 2025, 82 babies were named Effie, and it ranked #2,245 nationally. That is 52% more than ten years earlier, so it is clearly on the rise.
Its national rank moved from #214 in 1920, #619 in 1950, #2,133 in 1980, #6,020 in 2000, #5,011 in 2010, and #2,245 in 2025. Of the 44,256 US girls named Effie since records began, 17% were born in the 1910s, its biggest decade. The 1920s come next, with 7,171 babies. Since 2010, 986 more have been named Effie.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Cecelia, Ora, Luella, Addie, and Jewell.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Effie ranked highest in Michigan, Ohio, and California.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan | #1266 | 5 |
| Ohio | #1516 | 5 |
| California | #2329 | 8 |
| Texas | #3435 | 5 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Effie is usually pronounced EF-ee, with two syllables. It has five letters, starts with E and ends in “-ie”.
Middle names for Effie
A few middle names that flow with Effie: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Effie
Similar names
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Lists that include Effie
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Effie mean?
Effie is a Greek and Scottish name that means “diminutive of Euphemia, well spoken”.
What is the origin of the name Effie?
Effie has Greek and Scottish roots. Effie is a Scottish and English diminutive of Euphemia, a Greek name meaning "well spoken," from eu, "good," and phemi, "to speak." Saint Euphemia, an early Christian martyr, made the name widespread in both Eastern and Western churches.
Is Effie a popular name?
Not especially. Effie ranked #2,245 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Effie a boy or girl name?
Effie is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Effie?
Effie is usually pronounced EF-ee. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings