Efrat
ef-RAHT
Efrat is the Hebrew form of Ephrath, an ancient place name and personal name found throughout the Old Testament. It derives from the Hebrew root meaning to be fruitful, honoured, or distinguished. In the Bible, Ephrath was an ancient name for the region of Bethlehem, and the name was also borne by a wife of Caleb. The name suggests abundance, dignity, and divine blessing, carrying both the fertility of the land and the honour of a respected lineage.
At a glance
A beautiful Hebrew name meaning fruitful and honoured, rooted in biblical history as both a place name and a personal name.
Etymology & History
Efrat comes from the Hebrew root p-r-h, meaning to be fruitful or to bear fruit, related to the broader Semitic root for abundance and productivity. The word 'ephrath' also carries the meaning of ash or dust in some interpretations, though the fruitfulness meaning is far more commonly cited. The name appears in the Torah as both a personal name and as the ancient biblical designation for the area around Bethlehem.
Cultural Significance
Efrat is predominantly used in Israel and among Jewish communities worldwide. It carries strong biblical resonance through its association with the Ephrath of the Old Testament and with Bethlehem, one of the most spiritually significant places in the ancient Near East. The name is considered classic and dignified in Israeli naming culture, appreciated for its ancient roots and its positive meaning of fruitfulness and honour. It has remained consistently popular in Israel without feeling dated.
Famous people named Efrat
Ephrath (Biblical)
Wife of Caleb in the Old Testament (1 Chronicles 2:19), mother of Hur, and an ancestress of significant biblical lineage.
Efrat Gosh
A city in the West Bank named after the ancient biblical location of Ephrath, retaining the Hebrew form of the name.
Frequently Asked Questions
Names like Efrat
Avigail
“My father rejoices or my father's joy”
Avigail is composed of 'avi' (אֲבִי, my father) and 'gil' (גִּיל, joy or rejoicing), yielding the meaning 'my father rejoices' or 'father's joy.' The name appears in 1 Samuel as the wife of the churlish Nabal who, through her own wisdom and initiative, prevented David from an act of devastating revenge and subsequently became one of his wives. The biblical Avigail is praised explicitly for her beauty, intelligence, and diplomatic courage, making the name a legacy of strong, wise femininity.
Devorah
“Bee, to speak”
The Hebrew form of Deborah, meaning bee or possibly to speak, from the root 'davar'. Devorah was a judge, prophetess, military leader, and poet in the Book of Judges, one of the most powerful women in the entire Hebrew Bible. She led Israel to victory against the army of Sisera from beneath her palm tree, and her victory song is considered one of the oldest passages in the Torah.
Tamar
“Date palm”
Tamar is a Hebrew name meaning 'date palm,' a tree revered in ancient cultures for its beauty, resilience, and fruitfulness. The name appears multiple times in the Hebrew Bible, carried by women of remarkable strength and significance.
Where you'll find Efrat
Efrat shows up in these curated collections across Namekin.