Jeffrey
Jeffrey is a boy name of German origin meaning “Peace of God, peaceful district”, pronounced JEF-ree. It ranked #552 in the United States in 2025, given to 544 babies, and peaked at #9 in 1966. Common nicknames: Jeff, Geoff, JR.
How popular is Jeffrey in the United States?
Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
What does Jeffrey mean, and where does it come from?
Jeffrey is one of two English spellings of the medieval Geoffrey, a Norman name of Germanic parts whose first element is disputed — gawia, "territory," gisil, "pledge," or walah, "stranger" — joined to frid, "peace." Chaucer spelled it Geoffrey; America overwhelmingly spells it Jeffrey. It reached ninth place for American boys in 1966 and belongs to that cohort as firmly as Gary and Brian do. It has declined steadily since, which is the usual position from which a name eventually returns.
How is Jeffrey used around the world?
Jeffrey is used in 3 languages worldwide, with 12+ international variants.
TypeMale given name
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
What are the nicknames for Jeffrey?
Famous People Named Jeffrey
- Jeffrey Wright — American actor and Emmy Award winner
- Jeff Bridges — American actor and Academy Award winner
- Jeffrey Eugenides — American novelist and Pulitzer Prize winner
Similar Names to Jeffrey
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Sibling Name Ideas for Jeffrey
Looking for names that pair well with Jeffrey? Here are some sibling name suggestions that share a similar style and feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Jeffrey mean?
Jeffrey is a boy name of German origin meaning "Peace of God, peaceful district." Jeffrey is one of two English spellings of the medieval Geoffrey, a Norman name of Germanic parts whose first element is disputed — gawia, "territory," gisil, "pledge," or walah, "stranger" — joined to frid, "peace." Chaucer spelled it Geoffrey; America overwhelmingly spells it Jeffrey.
How do you pronounce Jeffrey?
Jeffrey is pronounced JEF-ree. Common variations include Geoffrey, Jeffery, Jefferey.
Is Jeffrey a boy name?
Yes, Jeffrey is traditionally a boy name. Popular nicknames include Jeff, Geoff, JR.