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Jeff
Pronounced JEHF /ˈd͡ʒɛf/Medium
Meaning: PeaceMedium
Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data
U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.
SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.
History & Origin
Jeff grew up as a clipped form of Geoffrey, a name whose meaning settles on 'peace'. Behind it lie older Germanic and French forms like Godfried, Godefroy, and Geoffroy, with the Catalan Jofre among its relatives. The short version became a friendly name in its own right while keeping that peaceful root.
Its single firm syllable gives Jeff a plain, approachable sound. The actor Jeff Daniels, born in 1955, and the baseball figure Jeff Bagwell, born in 1968, are listed among its bearers.
Variations
Nicknames
Famous Bearers
- ★Jeff Daniels (1955–present)Male public figure listed on Behind the Name.
- ★Jeff Bagwell (1968–present)Male public figure listed on Behind the Name.
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Frequently Asked
What does the name Jeff mean?
Jeff is usually explained as meaning 'peace' and is most often linked with English tradition.
How do you pronounce Jeff?
It's commonly said JEHF /ˈd͡ʒɛf/.
Is Jeff a boy or girl name?
In this batch and in recent U.S. usage data, Jeff is used as a boy name.
How popular is Jeff?
In 2024, Jeff ranked #2920 in the U.S. for boys, with 43 births recorded.