One embodiment provides a system that facilitates efficient name encryption in a CCN. During operation, the system determines, by a client computing device, an index for a name of an interest, wherein the name is a hierarchically structured variable length identifier that includes contiguous name components ordered from a most general level to a most specific level, wherein the index indicates a minimum number of the contiguous name components beginning from the most general level that represent a minimum routable prefix needed to route the interest to a content producing device that can satisfy the interest. The system encrypts one or more name components of the interest name beginning with the name component immediately following the minimum routable prefix. The system transmits the interest based on the encrypted name, thereby facilitating efficient name encryption in a CCN.