Jeff

“Peaceful steward”

American origin · Unisex name

♂ 100% boys♀ 0% girls

#1899US 2023

301Births / yr

→Stable

120.3kAll-time births

📅 Since 192500

How to pronounce Jeff

JEF

/ˈdʒɛf/ · stress on JEF · 1 syllable

“Peaceful steward”

American origin · Unisex name

What does Jeff mean and where does it come from?

While traditionally a male name derived from Geoffrey, Jeff can also be utilized as a feminine name, especially for those looking for gender-neutral options. Its roots stem from Old German, where 'Godefrid' meant peaceful steward. Over time, variations like Jeffery or Jeffe have been adopted. Notabl

Cultural significance

Jeff has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of peaceful steward.

Peak popularity

Reached #2739 in 1960 — currently #1899 in the US.

🌿

How else can you spell Jeff?

Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive

Geoff

Spelling variant

What middle names flow best with Jeff?

Jeff works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Jeff Grace

How popular is Jeff right now?

Holding steady — currently #1899 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1925–2023#1899 · Top 1.4%

1925

1935

1955

1960

1965

1970

1985

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#1899	301	▲ up 5 · +7% births
2022	#1904	281	▲ up 5 · +12% births
2021	#1909	251	▲ up 7426 · +4083% births
1985	#9335	6	▼ down 3907 · -33% births
1970	#5428	9	▼ down 2157 · -40% births
1965	#3271	15	▼ down 532 · -25% births
1960	#2739	20	▲ up 3111 · +300% births
1955	#5850	5	▼ down 1623
1935	#4227	5	▲ up 759
1925	#4986	5	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Jeff

Best Year2023Rank #1899

Peak Count301

Average Rank#4155

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1925 - 202310 years

The story of Jeff

Jeff entered American naming records in 1925 and has been in use for over 99 years. More than 120,322 babies have been named Jeff since 1925. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #4986 in 1925 to #1899 in 2023. Jeff is used for both genders: 0% female and 100% male.

Names that peaked alongside Jeff in 1960:

Mary Susan Linda Karen Donna

Jeff by decade

Jeff peaked in the 1960s. See all 1960s names →

Decade	Births
1880s	685
1890s	661
1900s	605
1910s	1,532
1920s	1,872
1930s	1,526
1940s	5,913
1950s	24,967
1960s ★	62,235
1970s	12,300
1980s	3,809
1990s	1,890
2000s	1,517
2010s	768
2020s	42

What are good nicknames for Jeff?

Common

What names sound and feel like Jeff?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Jeff also consider these

Jef

American · A beloved name

Jeffy

American · A diminutive form

Jeffs

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

American · A diminutive form

Jes

American · Hebrew

How is Jeff written in other languages?

Common questions about the name Jeff

What does the name Jeff mean?

Jeff means "Peaceful steward" — a name rooted in American tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.

How popular is the name Jeff?

Jeff is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.

What is the cultural origin of Jeff?

Jeff originates from American tradition. American names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.

How do you pronounce the name Jeff?

Jeff is a one-syllable name pronounced JH EH1 F. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

How does Jeff sound with different last names?

As a one-syllable name, Jeff flows best with last names of two or three syllables. Avoid last names ending in the same sound as Jeff ends, as this can create an unwanted rhyme. Test by saying the full name out loud several times.