Effie is a charming and distinctive given name of Greek origin, meaning "desired one" or "beautiful". It was originally a diminutive of the Greek name Euphrosyne, which signified joy or good cheer. The name Effie gained significant popularity in the United States during the mid-19th century due to its association with the character Euphemia 'Effie' Tristram in Sir Walter Scott's novel "The Fortunes of Nigel". Today, Effie continues to be a beloved choice for parents seeking an uncommon yet endearing name for their daughters. Its short and sweet sound makes it appealing for both daily use and formal occasions.
The name Effie experienced a notable peak in popularity during the early 1900s, with the highest number of births occurring in 1916 (11 births) and 1923 (11 births). However, it seems to have been less popular throughout most of the late 1800s and the mid-1900s, with many years having fewer than 10 births. The name's popularity seemed to wane significantly after the 1940s, with only one year (1973) seeing more than five births since then. Overall, there were a total of 241 babies named Effie between 1883 and 1973.