What does Jeffrey mean and where does it come from?
Although Jeffrey is traditionally a male name, it has been embraced in some cultures as a female name as well. It has Old German origins, derived from 'Godefrid', which embodies the notion of divine peace. The name rose to prominence in the English-speaking world during the Middle Ages and remains i
Cultural significance
Jeffrey has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in English-speaking communities, where it reflects values of divinely peaceful.
Peak popularity
Reached #9 in 1966 — currently #485 in the US.
🌿
Related Reading
English-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Jeffrey?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Jeffrey?
Jeffrey works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Jeffrey Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Jeffrey Rose
Floral · soft ending
Jeffrey Mae
Sweet · timeless
Jeffrey Claire
French influence · crisp
Jeffrey Jane
Literary · strong
Jeffrey Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Jeffrey right now?
Declining — down 33 spots — currently #485 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #485 | 621 | ▼ down 33 · -9% births |
| 2022 | #452 | 679 | ▼ down 25 · -7% births |
| 2021 | #427 | 727 | ▼ down 42 · -8% births |
| 2020 | #385 | 788 | ▼ down 95 · -37% births |
| 2015 | #290 | 1,258 | ▼ down 69 · -22% births |
| 2010 | #221 | 1,623 | ▼ down 50 · -33% births |
| 2005 | #171 | 2,424 | ▼ down 67 · -32% births |
| 2000 | #104 | 3,563 | ▼ down 40 · -38% births |
| 1995 | #64 | 5,730 | ▼ down 21 · -48% births |
| 1990 | #43 | 10,979 | ▼ down 14 · -24% births |
| 1985 | #29 | 14,498 | ▼ down 2 · -12% births |
| 1980 | #27 | 16,384 | ▼ down 13 · -11% births |
| 1975 | #14 | 18,331 | ▼ down 3 · -39% births |
| 1970 | #11 | 30,153 | ▼ down 1 · +2% births |
| 1965 | #10 | 29,587 | — |
The story of Jeffrey
Jeffrey has been a beloved American name for over 139 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1885. It peaked at #9 in 1966, placing it among the top 10 most popular names. Over 980K babies have been given this name — a true American classic. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #1076 in 1885 to #485 in 2023. Jeffrey is used for both genders: 0% female and 100% male.
Names that peaked alongside Jeffrey in 1966:
Jeffrey by decade
Jeffrey peaked in the 1960s. See all 1960s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 5 | |
| 1910s | 147 | |
| 1920s | 263 | |
| 1930s | 905 | |
| 1940s | 34,461 | |
| 1950s | 184,959 | |
| 1960s ★ | 302,965 | |
| 1970s | 203,918 | |
| 1980s | 145,687 | |
| 1990s | 67,167 | |
| 2000s | 25,945 | |
| 2010s | 12,711 | |
| 2020s | 788 | |
What are good nicknames for Jeffrey?
What names sound and feel like Jeffrey?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Jeffrey also consider these
How is Jeffrey written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Jeffrey
What does the name Jeffrey mean?
Jeffrey means "Divinely peaceful" — a name rooted in English 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 Jeffrey?
Jeffrey is currently ranked #485 in the United States as a baby 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 Jeffrey?
Jeffrey originates from English tradition. English 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 Jeffrey?
Jeffrey is a two-syllable name pronounced JH EH1 F R IY0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Jeffrey more of a girl or boy name?
Jeffrey is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.