The rare Myers Briggs personality types are the least common among the 16 personality types defined by the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI). While every type brings its own strengths and challenges, certain types are far less frequent in the general population. These rare types often stand out because of their distinctive thinking patterns, emotional depth, or leadership qualities that differ from the majority.

In this article, we’ll explore which Myers Briggs types are the rarest, why they are so uncommon, and what traits make them unique.

Understanding the Myers Briggs Personality Types

The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator is based on four dimensions of personality, resulting in 16 possible combinations. These dimensions are:

  • Extraversion (E) vs. Introversion (I)
  • Sensing (S) vs. Intuition (N)
  • Thinking (T) vs. Feeling (F)
  • Judging (J) vs. Perceiving (P)

Each combination creates a unique personality profile, such as INFJ, ESTP, or INTP. Some of these combinations are much less common than others, leading to what are known as the rare Myers Briggs personality types.

Which Myers Briggs Personality Types Are the Rarest?

According to global personality data and psychological studies, some types are statistically more common, while others are extremely rare. Below is a list of the rarest Myers Briggs types, starting with the least common of all.

1. INFJ – The Advocate (The Rarest Type)

The INFJ is widely recognized as the rarest of all Myers Briggs personality types, representing less than 2% of the population. INFJs are known for their empathy, idealism, and deep insight into human behavior. They combine intuition and feeling to understand the emotional needs of others while maintaining a strong sense of purpose.

  • Core traits: Compassionate, visionary, introspective.
  • Strengths: Deep understanding of people, creative problem-solving, strong values.
  • Why it’s rare: The combination of introversion, intuition, and feeling is unusual and produces a reflective yet driven personality.

2. ENTJ – The Commander

ENTJs make up roughly 1–3% of the population. They are confident, strategic, and natural leaders. ENTJs are known for their ability to take charge, plan long-term, and execute complex goals efficiently. Their logical and decisive nature makes them stand out as bold visionaries.

  • Core traits: Assertive, organized, strategic.
  • Strengths: Leadership, determination, problem-solving.
  • Why it’s rare: Few people combine high levels of thinking, intuition, and extroversion with a structured mindset.

3. INTJ – The Architect

The INTJ personality type accounts for about 2–4% of people. INTJs are logical strategists who value knowledge, independence, and mastery. They are future-oriented thinkers who enjoy analyzing systems and creating innovative solutions.

  • Core traits: Analytical, confident, determined.
  • Strengths: Strategic thinking, independence, precision.
  • Why it’s rare: The mix of introversion, intuition, and thinking leads to a small but powerful group of intellectual planners.

4. ENFJ – The Protagonist

ENFJs represent around 2–3% of the population. They are natural leaders driven by empathy and a desire to inspire others. ENFJs combine charisma with emotional intelligence, often motivating groups to achieve shared goals.

  • Core traits: Charismatic, empathetic, motivational.
  • Strengths: Communication, organization, compassion.
  • Why it’s rare: Few people blend leadership and deep empathy as naturally as ENFJs do.

5. INFP – The Mediator

The INFP type makes up roughly 4–5% of the population. INFPs are idealists guided by inner values and authenticity. They are introspective dreamers who value creativity, individuality, and emotional depth.

  • Core traits: Imaginative, sincere, compassionate.
  • Strengths: Empathy, creativity, adaptability.
  • Why it’s rare: Their deeply emotional and intuitive nature contrasts with the logic-driven tendencies of many personality types.

6. INFJ-A and INFJ-T Variants

Within the INFJ category, there are two subtypes — INFJ-A (Assertive) and INFJ-T (Turbulent). Both share the same rare combination of traits but differ in how they handle stress and confidence. INFJ-A types are more self-assured, while INFJ-Ts are more sensitive and introspective.

This adds nuance to the rare Myers Briggs personality types, as even within the rarest group, personality expression varies significantly.

Why Are Some Myers Briggs Types So Rare?

The rarity of certain MBTI types often reflects how unusual their trait combinations are. For example, intuition (N) and feeling (F) are less common than sensing (S) and thinking (T), which makes personality types that feature both—like INFJ and INFP—statistically rarer.

Other factors influencing rarity include:

  • Genetic tendencies: Some cognitive preferences may be less naturally common in human populations.
  • Cultural influences: Extroverted and practical traits are often more encouraged in modern societies.
  • Personality balance: Rare types often combine contrasting qualities — such as strong intuition with introversion — that are harder to find together.

The Most Common vs. Rare Myers Briggs Personality Types

While types like ISFJ (The Defender) and ESFJ (The Consul) are among the most common, the rare Myers Briggs personality types are less frequently encountered in everyday life. This rarity often makes them more intriguing and memorable.

Type Nickname Approx. % of Population Rarity
INFJ The Advocate ~1–2% Rarest
ENTJ The Commander ~2–3% Rare
INTJ The Architect ~2–4% Rare
ENFJ The Protagonist ~3% Uncommon
INFP The Mediator ~4–5% Moderately Rare

Why Rare Myers Briggs Types Are Valuable

The rare Myers Briggs personality types bring unique perspectives to the world. Their rarity often correlates with strong individuality, creativity, and leadership potential. These individuals tend to think differently, innovate boldly, and challenge norms — qualities that drive social and intellectual progress.

Examples of their impact include:

  • INFJs: Deep empathy makes them exceptional counselors, writers, and activists.
  • INTJs: Their analytical minds excel in strategic, scientific, or technical fields.
  • ENTJs: Natural leadership and vision often lead them to executive roles.
  • ENFJs: Emotional intelligence and communication skills make them inspiring leaders and teachers.
  • INFPs: Their creativity shines in art, writing, and humanitarian work.

Final Thoughts

The rare Myers Briggs personality types may be less common, but their influence is often profound. These individuals bring balance and diversity to human interaction — blending intuition, empathy, logic, and vision in extraordinary ways. Whether you’re an INFJ, INTJ, or another rare type, your personality offers valuable insights and potential to make a meaningful impact on the world.

In a society full of diverse personalities, the rarest types remind us that being different isn’t a disadvantage — it’s a strength that shapes innovation, understanding, and personal growth.