Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Jeffrey
BoyGermanic, English· “possibly territory of peace”
- Meaning
- possibly territory of peace (origin disputed)
- Origin
- Germanic, English
- Pronunciation
- JEF-ree
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #552
- US babies 2025
- 544
- Best rank
- #9 (1966)
- Peak year
- 1962
Meaning and origin of Jeffrey
Jeffrey is often said to mean “possibly territory of peace”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to Germanic and English roots.
Jeffrey is a form of Geoffrey, a name brought to England by the Normans. Its Germanic roots are uncertain; the second part is usually linked to frid, meaning "peace," while the first may mean "territory," "traveler" or "pledge," depending on the source. Geoffrey was common in medieval England, borne by the chronicler Geoffrey of Monmouth and the poet Geoffrey Chaucer. The spelling Jeffrey became the more usual form in the United States, where it was a very familiar name in the mid twentieth century. It feels friendly and dependable, and Jeff is the classic nickname.
Other spellings with the same sound: Geoffrey, Jeffry.
Popularity over time
Jeffrey first appears in US Social Security records in 1885. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 92 different years, starting in 1934. Its best national rank was #9 in 1966, and the most babies received it in 1962, when 33,537 were named Jeffrey. In 2025, 544 babies were named Jeffrey, and it ranked #552 nationally. That is 57% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #1,666 in 1920, #43 in 1950, #27 in 1980, #104 in 2000, #221 in 2010, and #552 in 2025. Of the 979,601 US boys named Jeffrey since records began, 31% were born in the 1960s, its biggest decade. The 1970s come next, with 202,850 babies. Since 2010, 16,702 more have been named Jeffrey.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Kevin and Gregory.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Jeffrey ranked highest in New Jersey, Missouri, and Ohio.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey | #350 | 24 |
| Missouri | #356 | 18 |
| Ohio | #368 | 30 |
| Kentucky | #386 | 13 |
| Massachusetts | #392 | 13 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for boys.
Jeffrey is usually pronounced JEF-ree, with two syllables. It has seven letters, starts with J and ends in “-ey”. Names that sound the same but are spelled differently include Geoffrey and Jeffry.
Middle names for Jeffrey
A few middle names that flow with Jeffrey: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Jeffrey
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Lists that include Jeffrey
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Jeffrey mean?
Jeffrey is often said to mean “possibly territory of peace”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to Germanic and English roots.
What is the origin of the name Jeffrey?
Jeffrey has Germanic, English, and French roots. Jeffrey is a form of Geoffrey, a name brought to England by the Normans.
Is Jeffrey a popular name?
Yes. Jeffrey ranked #552 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Jeffrey a boy or girl name?
Jeffrey is mainly a boy's name. In the US it is used almost only for boys.
How do you pronounce Jeffrey?
Jeffrey is usually pronounced JEF-ree. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings