What does Jefferson mean and where does it come from?
Jefferson is derived from the medieval given name Jeffrey, which is of Germanic origin meaning 'peace' and 'journey'. The name gained popularity in the United States due to Thomas Jefferson, the third President and a Founding Father of the nation, who contributed significantly to the American Revolu
Cultural significance
Jefferson has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of english.
Peak popularity
Reached #254 in 1891 — currently #831 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Jefferson?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Jefferson?
Jefferson works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Jefferson Luke
One syllable · timeless choice
Jefferson Miles
One syllable · vintage charm
Jefferson Beau
One syllable · on the rise
Jefferson Brooks
One syllable · timeless choice
Jefferson Gael
One syllable · timeless choice
Jefferson Kai
One syllable · vintage charm
How popular is Jefferson right now?
Falling — down 121 spots — currently #831 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #831 | 298 | ▼ down 121 · -21% births |
| 2024 | #710 | 375 | ▲ up 52 · +11% births |
| 2023 | #762 | 339 | ▼ down 2 · +2% births |
| 2022 | #760 | 332 | ▼ down 36 · -7% births |
| 2021 | #724 | 357 | ▼ down 17 · +1% births |
| 2020 | #707 | 352 | ▼ down 35 · -7% births |
| 2015 | #672 | 378 | ▼ down 11 · +4% births |
| 2010 | #661 | 363 | ▼ down 32 · +4% births |
| 2005 | #629 | 348 | ▲ up 87 · +43% births |
| 2000 | #716 | 243 | ▼ down 35 · +1% births |
| 1995 | #681 | 241 | ▲ up 26 · +17% births |
| 1990 | #707 | 206 | ▼ down 25 · +21% births |
| 1985 | #682 | 170 | ▼ down 24 · -3% births |
| 1980 | #658 | 175 | ▼ down 45 · -1% births |
| 1975 | #613 | 177 | — |
The story of Jefferson
Jefferson has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. A total of 22,725 babies have received this name. Once ranked #255 in 1880, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #762 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Jefferson in 1891:
Jefferson by decade
Jefferson peaked in the 1890s. See all 1890s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 355 | |
| 1890s | 291 | |
| 1900s | 244 | |
| 1910s | 1,039 | |
| 1920s | 1,429 | |
| 1930s | 907 | |
| 1940s | 1,144 | |
| 1950s | 1,734 | |
| 1960s | 2,019 | |
| 1970s | 2,167 | |
| 1980s | 1,635 | |
| 1990s | 2,357 | |
| 2000s | 3,268 | |
| 2010s ★ | 3,784 | |
| 2020s | 1,025 | |
What are good nicknames for Jefferson?
What names sound and feel like Jefferson?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Jefferson also consider these
Common questions about the name Jefferson
What does the name Jefferson mean?
Jefferson means "English" — 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 Jefferson?
Jefferson is currently ranked #762 as a boy name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Jefferson?
Jefferson 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 Jefferson?
Jefferson is a three-syllable name pronounced JEF-er-sun. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Jefferson?
Jefferson pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar American heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.