Jeffrey

The Meaning & Origin of the Name Jeffrey

Gender Boy
Origin English
Letters 7
Syllables 2
Pronunciation juh-free

Jeffrey, which has 7 letters and 2 syllables, is a male name of English origin.

Meaning of Jeffrey

Gift of peace

The name Jeffrey is of German origin and means "God's peace".

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(2.8/5 from 5 votes)
Meaning Gift of peace
Origin English
Gender Boy
Popularity (US) #520 in 2024 Declining
Rarity (US) Rare (Top 1000)
Era 60s name

Background & History of The Name Jeffrey

The name Jeffrey is of German origin and is believed to have been derived from the Old German name "Godfrey", meaning "God's peace" or "God's protection". The name later evolved to "Jefery" and eventually became the modern spelling "Jeffrey". It gained popularity in the English-speaking world during the Middle Ages and has remained a common name throughout history.

Jeffrey is a masculine name commonly given to boys, and it has various different spellings across different cultures and regions. Some of the alternate spellings include Geoffery, Geoffrey, Jaffrey, and Jeffery. The name has been used by many notable individuals throughout history, further contributing to its popularity. It is often associated with traits such as strength, intelligence, and leadership.

Jeffrey Epstein, for example, was a wealthy financier who became well-known due to his connections with powerful figures, his extravagant lifestyle, and, sadly, his involvement in a criminal scandal. On the other hand, Jeffrey Dahmer was a notorious serial killer in the late 20th century who committed heinous crimes that shocked the world.

In addition to these infamous individuals, there are many well-respected Jeffreys in various fields. Jeffrey Sachs is a renowned economist and author known for his work on global poverty reduction. Jeffrey Dean Morgan is a successful actor who has appeared in popular TV shows such as "The Walking Dead" and "Grey's Anatomy".

In conclusion, the name Jeffrey has a rich history and has been used by notable figures in different contexts. Its German origins and various spellings reflect its evolution over time, but it has consistently been a well-known and frequently chosen masculine name.

Popularity Over Time

US Social Security Administration data showing the rank of Jeffrey over the years.

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