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Jefferson

♂ Boy

Pronounced JEF-er-sun /ˈdʒɛf.ər.sən/High

Meaning: English patronymic surname meaning 'son of Jeffrey', where Jeffrey is a medieval form of Geoffrey, from the Old French Godfrey or Germanic Gottfried, meaning 'divine peace' (from god, peace, and frid, peace)High

In 30 seconds: Jefferson is a distinguished American surname-turned-given name meaning son of Jeffrey or divine peace. Carried by one of the Founding Fathers, it has an indelible association with American liberty and democratic ideals.
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Origin HighOld French, Germanic
MeaningEnglish patronymic surname meaning 'son of Jeffrey', where Jeffrey is a medieval form of Geoffrey, from the Old French Godfrey or Germanic Gottfried, meaning 'divine peace' (from god, peace, and frid, peace)
U.S. rank (2025)#831 ↘ Falling
2025 U.S. births298 boys (0.02% of U.S. boys)
Peak year2009
Total births (all-time)≈ 24,439

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 200918802025

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Jefferson is an English patronymic surname meaning 'son of Jeffrey'. Jeffrey is a medieval English form of Geoffrey, which derives from Old French Godfrey or Germanic Gottfried, composed of elements meaning 'divine' or 'peace' (from gott, god, and frid, peace). The surname Jefferson gained American prominence primarily through Thomas Jefferson (1743–1826), third President of the United States and principal author of the Declaration of Independence.

Jefferson entered given-name use in the United States in the 19th century as a tribute name honoring Thomas Jefferson. Its use surged particularly in the South and among families with strong Democratic or patriotic traditions. In the 20th century Confederate President Jefferson Davis (1808–1889) also extended the name's currency in Southern states. Today it appeals to parents seeking a name with strong American historical resonance.

Did you know? Thomas Jefferson not only authored the Declaration of Independence but also designed his own home, Monticello, invented several gadgets, and maintained a 6,000-book personal library — establishing the name Jefferson as synonymous with American intellectual ambition.
Overall data confidence 89%
Behind the Name — Jefferson — patronymic etymologyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

JeffersJeffreyJeff

Nicknames

JeffJeffy

Famous Bearers

  • ★Thomas Jefferson (1743–1826)
    Third President of the United States, primary author of the Declaration of Independence, and founder of the University of Virginia.

If you like Jefferson…

Lincoln— same presidential surname-as-given-name American tradition
Jackson— shares the -son ending and presidential American heritage
Madison— fellow Founding Father surname repurposed as a given name
Grant— same category of dignified American presidential tribute names

Frequently Asked

What does the name Jefferson mean?

Jefferson means son of Jeffrey, with Jeffrey derived from Geoffrey meaning divine peace in Germanic.

How do you pronounce Jefferson?

It is said JEF-er-sun, with three syllables.

Is Jefferson a presidential name?

Yes — Jefferson honors Thomas Jefferson, the third U.S. president and author of the Declaration of Independence.

Is Jefferson a popular name?

Jefferson is a moderately used name in the U.S. with steady appeal among parents who value American historical names.