Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name Jeffery originates from Old German, meaning 'God's peace'. It evolved from Godefrid to Geoffrey, and finally to Jeffery. It has a rich history of use in England and is associated with a friendly persona. There is no significant biblical relevance.
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈdʒɛfəri/
Origin
Old German
Etymology
The name Jeffery is derived from the Old German name 'Godefrid', which is composed of the elements 'god' meaning 'god' and 'frid' meaning 'peace'.
Meaning
God's peace
Language Evolution
Godefrid, Geoffrey, Jeffrey
Historical Usage
The name gained popularity in England during the Norman Conquest in the 11th century and saw a resurgence in the 20th century.
Variants & Derivatives
Geoffrey, Jeff, Jeffy
Modern Popularity & Image
Jeffery is viewed as a classic name with a friendly and approachable image, though its popularity has waned in recent years.
Famous People
Jeffery Dahmer, Jeffery Dean Morgan, Jeffery Archer
📊 Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Name Visualizations
Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 9,330 peak births in 1962
Geographic Spread
Popular across 51 US states, with strongest presence in Alabama
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 12 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Alternative Spellings & Similar Sounds (21 Variations)
Explore names that share identical pronunciation with different spellings. These variations offer alternative options for parents seeking unique yet familiar-sounding choices. This curated collection includes 21 carefully selected variations that maintain the same phonetic sound while providing distinct spelling options.
Why consider alternative spellings? Different spellings can offer unique cultural significance or personal preference while maintaining the familiar sound. This collection covers various spelling patterns, helping you find variations that match your preferences.
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 1726th of 7545 | 312 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 574th of 6773 | 1,955 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 81st of 7552 | 91,721 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 62nd of 10718 | 84,716 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 131st of 16616 | 37,950 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 412th of 24088 | 10,683 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 866th of 23106 | 3,092 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 9107th of 9107 | 5 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 5291st of 9204 | 46 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 2220th of 12526 | 471 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 2373rd of 19264 | 536 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 6048th of 27321 | 211 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - |
66.48% 1573rd/2366 |
- |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
26.00% 402nd/1546 |
32.01% 498th/1556 |
32.30% 760th/2353 |
28.18% 436th/1547 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
2.65% 59th/2227 |
4.57% 111th/2430 |
2.73% 78th/2853 |
2.99% 83rd/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
1.91% 56th/2937 |
3.16% 110th/3483 |
1.34% 47th/3518 |
1.73% 70th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
3.18% 117th/3685 |
4.72% 211th/4475 |
1.91% 99th/5194 |
2.96% 187th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
8.25% 378th/4582 |
11.02% 569th/5164 |
4.58% 335th/7313 |
7.17% 535th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
19.90% 793rd/3984 |
32.18% 1444th/4487 |
10.88% 742nd/6822 |
17.64% 1107th/6276 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
89.99% 2004th/2227 |
- |
68.45% 1953rd/2853 |
100.00% 2775th/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
77.02% 2262nd/2937 |
- |
73.56% 2588th/3518 |
- |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - |
100.00% 5194th/5194 |
93.73% 5921st/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
State-by-State Popularity
This map shows relative popularity across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends in the United States
This name shows strongest popularity in Alabama across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the Generation X (Gen X) generation in the South region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, usage has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for female in South, falling for male in West, stalled for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for male in West, stalled for female in West. Across generations, popularity patterns vary significantly: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 1726th out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 574th out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 81st out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 62nd out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 131st out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 412th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 866th out of 23106 names. Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 9107th out of 9107 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 5291st out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 2220th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 2373rd out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 6048th out of 27321 names. Explore how this name has evolved through American history with comprehensive regional and generational analysis.