All about the name

Jeffrey

Male

« Jeffrey is an English name derived from Geoffrey, ultimately of Germanic origin, meaning "spear-ready". »

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Meaning, origin, history

Jeffrey is a name of English origin that has been used for centuries. It is derived from the Middle English name Geoffrey, which was introduced into England by the Normans after the Norman Conquest in 1066. The name Geoffrey is ultimately derived from the Germanic name Gervasius, which consists of the elements "ger" meaning "spear" and "fashian" meaning "ready". Therefore, Jeffrey can be interpreted to mean "spear-ready". The name Jeffrey has been popular throughout history and has been borne by many notable individuals. One of the most famous Jeffreys was Sir Jeffrey Amherst, a British Army officer who played a significant role in the French and Indian War. He is also known for his association with the notorious smallpox blankets incident during the war. Another notable figure named Jeffrey was Jeffrey Dahmer, an American serial killer who committed crimes between 1978 and 1991. Despite this association, the name Jeffrey remains popular and continues to be used today. The name Jeffrey has been the subject of numerous variations throughout history, including Jeffery, Jeffrie, Geoffery, Geoffrey, Jefrey, and even Geffry. These variations reflect the evolution of spelling and pronunciation over time. Today, Jeffrey is still a widely-used given name for boys in English-speaking countries. According to data from the Social Security Administration in the United States, Jeffrey was among the top 1000 most popular boy names between 2000 and 2019, with its peak popularity occurring in the late 1960s and early 1970s. In conclusion, Jeffrey is a name of English origin that has been used for centuries. Its meaning can be interpreted as "spear-ready," and it has been borne by many notable individuals throughout history. Despite some negative associations with the name in recent decades, Jeffrey remains a popular choice for parents naming their sons today.

In numbers

Popularity of the name Jeffrey since 1880

Total births
978,431
Total since 1880
Peak year
1962
33,527 births
in 2023
617
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
-25%
vs previous 5 years