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Euphemia

Gender: Feminine
Language: English
Etymology:
Euphemia comes from a Greek name meaning “Well Regarded,” from the words “eu” (good) and “phenai” (to speak well of).

History:
Euphemia was the name of a 4th century Orthodox martyr.

It was introduced to England by the Normans. It lasted until the 16th century, before dying out everywhere except Scotland, where it was treated as an Anglicized form of the Scottish Gaelic name Oighrig.

In the United States, Euphemia has always been rare, except among early Scottish immigrants.

Pronunciation: yoo-feem-ee-ah.

Diminutives:
English: Effie, Eppie, Eppy, Femie, Phemie.

Alternates:
English: Eufemia, Eupheme, Euphema.
English (Medieval): Epham, Effum, Effim.
French: Euphémie.

See also: Effie.

Famous Bearers:
Religious Figures:
St. Euphemia (-304)
An Orthodox virgin martyr saint.


Popularity:
Percentage from the 1990 U.S. Census:
0.024 % named Effie
0.001 % named Eufemia
less than 0.001 % named Euphemia

Popularity of Euphemia:
Popularity (for newborns):
In the United States...
1900-2000: N/A

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