The Most & Least Common ESFJ Enneagram Types

Helping other people is as natural as breathing for ESFJ personality types. They can always sense what people around them need. However, not all ESFJs are as sensitive and helpful. Depending on their ESFJ Enneagram subtype, their core traits will be more or less pronounced or even completely altered.

So, if you are curious to learn which ESFJ Enneagram combinations are the most and least common, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at all the differences between the various ESFJ Enneagram subtypes. Let’s dive right into it!

ESFJ Personality Type—A Quick Overview

ESFJs are strong and kind people who always ensure other people’s needs are metbefore taking care of their own. They are practical, organized, and readily take on huge responsibilities without complaining.

The ESFJ personality type enjoys organizing and planning everything in their lives because it allows them to maintain a sense of stability and security. Their family is the center of their world, and they strive to make their loved ones happy. They can occasionally become overbearing and possessive because they take their relationships so seriously.

In general, nothing makes ESFJs so happy as helping other people. They do it because it brings them heartfelt pleasure to see others realize their full potential and experience joy in life.

The Nine Enneagram Types of the ESFJ

Now it’s time to start uncovering the nine Enneagram types of the ESFJs!

#1. ESFJ Enneagram Type 1

Ones are rare among ESFJs, as they are not as emotionally generous as ESFJs typically are. But they are kind, just, and always concerned with doing the right thing, which overlaps with the ESFJ’s need to stick to the rules and act in a socially desirable manner.

Female Enneagram 1s often bring a sense of balance and empathy, enriching the ESFJ's natural desire for harmony. So, these ESFJs will be more organized, punctual, and meticulous than typical ESFJs. They will also be more motivated to protect the public's morals and those in need. The perfectionism of Ones inspires ESFJs to be more principled and to set high standards for themselves and others.

ESFJ Enneagram One is particularly sensitive to criticism while at the same time failing to realize they can be too critical of others too. Because of this, they may be more prone to conflicts than the typical ESFJ, and they may also have underlying anger issues since they are not comfortable expressing their anger directly.

These ESFJs have the irrational fear that if they exhibit any moral weakness, others will disregard them. As a result, they put a lot of pressure on themselves to appear strong and to behave nobly. Their biggest desire is to live a stable, peaceful life in line with their principles and beliefs.

#2. ESFJ Enneagram Type 2

Twos are the most common Enneatype among ESFJs, which is no surprise considering that they share all the core traits like generosity, empathy, organization skills, and leadership qualities. These ESFJs radiate warmth and positive energy, and people love being close to them as they make them feel good and safe, much like the charismatic presence often found in ESTPs.

ESFJ Enneagram Twos are aware of their enormous power and consciously use it to support the good in others. They are the unsung heroes of love in their communities, quietly encouraging others to find common ground and grow in their relationships.

For these ESFJs, people and relationships are all that matter in life. Although they can amass a significant amount of material wealth due to their hard work and perseverance, they never allow themselves to become overly attached to itand always put their loved ones ahead of their careers.

Because they place such a high priority on their interpersonal connections, it is only natural that the prospect of being deserted and estranged from their loved ones constitutes their greatest source of anxiety. It is no surprise that their biggest desires always revolve around building a happy family and a stable life.

#3. ESFJ Enneagram Type 3

A very small percentage of ESFJs belong to the Enneagram Three personality type. Threes are driven by the need for social approval and feel worthless unless they are successful, while Twos are motivated by the desire to be loved and accepted. So, it is no wonder we rarely see ESFJs who identify as Type Three.

These ESFJs will be very charming and seductive, with even more pronounced leadership qualities. ESFJs become leaders not because they aim to do so but because they readily accept their responsibilities, while Threes strive to become leaders because their self-respect depends on it.

Therefore, these ESFJs will be more self-aware and assertivethan typical ESFJs, with better focus and organizational skills. They will have better contact with their emotions than typical Threes.

These people may look like Threes, who have grown up and matured, or like ESFJs, who learned that putting yourself first is not a sign of selfishness but self-awareness.

A chronic fear of failure mixed with a fear of abandonment will haunt these individuals whenever they are under extreme stress, while their dreams become slightly more ambitious and daring. These ESFJs aspire to have a harmonious family life but do not believe that doing so requires them to compromise their professional goals.

#4. ESFJ Enneagram Type 4

It is highly unusual for an ESFJ to identify as Enneatype Four. Fours are introverted, excentric, emotionally unstable, and vulnerable individuals who devote their lives to exploring their identities. ESFJs’ are gregarious and benevolent to the core, ready to commit fully to helping others, unlike the typically more flexible and spontaneous ESFPs.

So, such opposites meeting in one body and mind results in a person who can’t be as open-hearted and amiable as typical ESFJs or as self-absorbed and moody as a typical Four. Thus, ESFJ Enneagram Type Fours are a highly sensitive and more vulnerable kind of ESFJ. They take everything personally, are easily offended but care immensely for others, and are eager to help everyone.

In some cases, these ESFJs haven’t had the support and understanding they needed while growing up, which manifests as insecurity and moodiness in their adult lives. They often overcome these issues when they find a partner who offers love and affection and begin to look more like typical ESFJs as they mature.

The initial fear they suffer from is that no one will ever see them or love them for who they truly are, as they often suffer from some imagined flaws. Logically, their biggest dreams revolve around being seen and loved for real, no matter if they deserve that love or not.

#5. ESFJ Enneagram Type 5

Fives are also very rare among ESFJs. Their logical and detached nature has little in common with the gregarious ESFJ’s spirit. Because Fives are a cerebral, reserved, and introverted type, these ESFJs will be significantlyless spontaneous, open, and friendly. They will also be more independent and self-reliant.

On the positive side, these ESFJs are not as impulsive as they typically can be but take more time and thought to make decisions. They also find it easier to stay objective and unbiased in complicated situations. Since both Fives and ESFJs are observant, ESFJ Fives will also be very resourceful and excellent problem solvers who always see what needs to be done.

These ESFJs want to help others with their knowledge and expertise. For that reason, they constantly try to expand their knowledge. Fear of being incompetent motivates them to never stop learning. As for their dreams, they want everything that a typical ESFJ wants, plus the freedom to explore their many interests.

#6. ESFJ Enneagram Type 6

Though less prevalent than Twos, Sixes are unquestionably one of the most prevalent personality types among ESFJs and one of the most common Enneagram types in general. Considering their greatest values are a sense of belonging, loyalty, and togetherness, it is easy to see how much in common they have with ESFJs.

These ESFJs will be just as caring and warm, but they will need more reassurance to show their warmth. Since they are haunted by chronic anxiety and fear of uncertainty, they tend to be very organized and meticulous, hoping that their plans will protect them from the unpleasant surprises life often throws at them.

Because Sixes always seek guidance and reassurance from others, these ESFJs will avoid leadership roles unless they are absolutely sure no one else can do it better. This way, they often sabotage their success and usually make their best moves in the second half of their lives when they gain the security they need.

A peaceful family life, a steady job, and a stable future are all that these people dream about. They work hard to ensure such a life and are deeply afraid of being abandoned by those they care for the most. For those who enjoy seeing the lighter side of these traits, check out our compilation of Enneagram 6 memes that are guaranteed to give you a good laugh.

#7. ESFJ Enneagram Type 7

Sevens are not common among ESFJs, though they do have significant traits in common. They are both energetic, spontaneous, fun-loving typeswho enjoy life and keep their sense of wonder throughout their lifetime. However, while Sevens want excitement and adventure, ESFJs want connection and stability.

Therefore, ESFJ Enneagram Sevens will be very charming and energetic people with a great sense of humor who know how to have fun, but only after they tick off all items on their to-do lists. These ESFJs add a dash of playfulness to everything they do, but they are not any less responsible or devoted than typical ESFJs.

Sevens' optimism and zest for life inspire these ESFJs, while ESFJs' emotional intelligence doesn’t allow the typical Sevens' fear of unpleasant feelings to sabotage them. It is safe to conclude that this is a more playful version of ESFJ or a more emotionally mature version of Seven.

Despite these ESFJs wanting to live life to the fullest without sacrificing the security of their relationships, their greatest fears are all associated with being forced to face the world by themselves.

#8. ESFJ Enneagram Type 8

A large proportion of ESFJs identify as Enneagram Type Eight. This might come as a surprise to you if you do not have a comprehensive understanding of Type Eight. But, once you realize that beneath all that intimidating attitude and robust strength, Eights actually have a heart of gold, you will understand why Eights are so common among ESFJs.

These ESFJs are charismatic, natural-born leaders who lead with passion and vision. They are strong-willed and fiercely defend their beliefs and the people they love. Their idea of helping other people is to provide support from a position of authority, and they work hard toward their dreams, which are all about having power over life.

Furthermore, cultural contexts often influence how ESFJs, especially Type Eights, express their need for leadership and control. Enneagram and culture interplay to shape their approach to authority and helping others.

Though more resolute, confrontational, hard-headed than typical ESFJs, and quite unlike the more reserved ISTJs, these individuals will be no less humanitarian. They will just be more assertive and better at establishing their personal boundaries.

These ESFJs can’t stand any kind of control forced upon them, even though they can be very controlling and possessive in their relationships. Their fear of being betrayed and humiliated makes it hard for them to relax and trust others, even when they have proven their loyalty.

#9. ESFJ Enneagram Type 9

ESFJs and Nines are both very compassionate and emotional types. But, while ESFJs are very expressive of their big emotions, Nines prefer to keep them to themselves. The introverted nature of Nines changes the way ESFJs express their core traits, making them more reserved, calmer, and more thoughtful.

ESFJ Enneagram Nines are humble and warm people but are also often inhibited in large groups, especially when there are a lot of conflicts around them. They put others’ needs first at the expense of their own, which inevitably leads to anger issues and inner conflicts.

The ESFJ Enneagram Nines will not accept responsibility for other people as easily as typical ESFJs do. They are more concerned with keeping things the way they are and preserving peace than advancing in their lives and careers.

The greatest barrier preventing them from coming into their own is the worry that they will be separated from the people they care about. They try toalleviate this fear by taking care of others while they dream of a world in which they get from others exactly what they give them so generously—acceptance and unconditional love.

Explore the nuances of your personality further with the Cattell Personality Factors test!

The Most and Least Common ESFJ Enneagram Types

ESFJs’ rich characters can be portrayed through different Enneagram types, but the most obvious correlations are with the Enneagram types that are as extroverted and emotional as they are.

They are least likely to identify with introverted, logical Enneatypes who neglect their emotions. So, let’s see which Ennatypes are the most and least common among ESFJs.

The Most Common ESFJ Enneagram Types

Twos predominate among the most common ESFJ Enneagram types. Sixes and Eights also comprise a significant portion of all ESFJs, but not nearly as much as Twos.

ESFJs and Twos characters overlap in every sense, so it is no wonder that this is the most common combination of types. The loyal, hardworking, and kind Sixes also match the ESFJs’ essence well, while Eights are usually a more masculine version of ESFJs.

The Least Common ESFJ Enneagram Types

The least common ESFJ Enneagram types are Fours, Fives, and Ones. These Enneatypes are reserved and very different from the ESFJ’s typical behavior in general.

People of Type Five, who are characterized by independence, control, and emotional detachment, are extremely rare among ESFJs because they are the exact opposite of them in every way.

Conclusion

Though some ESFJs, like Twos, Eights, and Sixes, are more easily recognized than others, they will always be people with big feelings eager to help and generously support everyone they meet.

Since they value relationships above all else, the differences in their behavior typically result from the relationships they develop throughout their lifetimes.

So, suppose an ESFJ identifies as Four, Five, or One. In that case, they have probably had very challenging experiences in their relationships that propelled them to develop strategies that differ from their core nature.