Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name Jeffrey has its roots in Old German, meaning 'God's peace'. It evolved through historical forms such as Godefrid and Godfrey, reflecting a path through various languages and cultures. The name is associated with traditional traits and carries no biblical relevance. It gained popularity in the Middle Ages and continues to be recognized today, with variants such as Geoffrey and Jeff.
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈdʒɛfri/
Origin
Old German
Etymology
The name Jeffrey is derived from the Old German name 'Godefrid', which is composed of the elements 'god' meaning 'god' and 'frid' meaning 'peace'. Over time, it evolved through various forms in different languages.
Meaning
God's peace
Language Evolution
Godefrid, Godfrey, Geoffrey, Jeffrey
Historical Usage
Jeffrey gained popularity in the Middle Ages, particularly in England, as the name Godfrey began to be adapted into various forms. Its use continued throughout the centuries, with the modern spelling becoming common in the 20th century.
Variants & Derivatives
Geoffrey, Jeff, Jeffy
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, Jeffrey is viewed as a classic name that evokes a sense of tradition and reliability. It is less common among younger generations but still carries a positive connotation.
Famous People
Jeffrey Archer, Jeffrey Dahmer, Jeffrey Tambor, Jeffrey Wright
📊 Trend Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Name Visualizations
Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 33,614 peak births in 1962
Geographic Spread
Popular across 51 US states, with strongest presence in Wisconsin
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 | 1582nd of 7545 | 355 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 198th of 6773 | 12,592 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 21st of 7552 | 364,192 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 15th of 10718 | 364,437 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 37th of 16616 | 182,814 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 152nd of 24088 | 43,077 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 344th of 23106 | 11,577 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 5501st of 9204 | 41 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 1526th of 12526 | 883 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 1193rd of 19264 | 1,558 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 2070th of 27321 | 947 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 15827th of 35406 | 69 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- |
77.23% 1065th/1379 |
81.45% 1927th/2366 |
- |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
11.90% 184th/1546 |
6.88% 107th/1556 |
18.83% 443rd/2353 |
11.64% 180th/1547 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
0.76% 17th/2227 |
0.86% 21st/2430 |
1.33% 38th/2853 |
0.83% 23rd/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
0.37% 11th/2937 |
0.49% 17th/3483 |
0.48% 17th/3518 |
0.45% 18th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
1.00% 37th/3685 |
0.72% 32nd/4475 |
0.89% 46th/5194 |
0.60% 38th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
3.47% 159th/4582 |
1.84% 95th/5164 |
2.11% 154th/7313 |
2.49% 186th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
9.41% 375th/3984 |
5.82% 261st/4487 |
5.23% 357th/6822 |
6.20% 389th/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) |
59.18% 1318th/2227 |
55.02% 1337th/2430 |
80.13% 2286th/2853 |
55.64% 1544th/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
34.73% 1020th/2937 |
30.46% 1061st/3483 |
50.94% 1792nd/3518 |
32.27% 1305th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
49.93% 1840th/3685 |
40.65% 1819th/4475 |
54.31% 2821st/5194 |
33.91% 2142nd/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - |
100.00% 7313th/7313 |
- |
| 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 Wisconsin across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the Generation X (Gen X) generation in the MidWest region. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is declining in usage, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been gradually declining. From 2020-2022, usage has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for female in MidWest, falling for male in Northeast, stalled for female in Northeast, falling 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 falling for male in MidWest, stalled for female in MidWest, falling for male in Northeast, stalled for female in Northeast, falling for male in South, stalled for female in South, falling for male in West, stalled for female in West. Across generations, popularity patterns vary significantly: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 1582nd out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 198th out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 21st out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 15th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 37th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 152nd out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 344th out of 23106 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 5501st out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 1526th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 1193rd out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 2070th out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 15827th out of 35406 names. Explore how this name has evolved through American history with comprehensive regional and generational analysis.