Jeff
See also: jeff
English
Etymology
From Jeffrey, a variant of Geoffrey, from Middle English Geffrey, from an Old French aristocratic name, Geoffroi [dʒɔfreʲ] (> West Middle French Geoffrey, East Middle French Geoffroy), itself from Proto-French forms (latinized in -us) Jotfredus, Jozsfredus, Josfredus (10th century) and Jof[f]redus, Jofridus, Jaufredus, Geffredus (11th century),[1] and ultimately of Proto-Germanic origin. The second element is *friþuz (“peace, sanctuary”). The first element may be *gautaz (“a Geat, a Goth”) [making the Proto-Germanic term *Gautafriþu], as opposed to *gōdaz (“good”) or *gudą (“god”) in Godfrey; this would also make it related to Jocelyn.[2] The name was introduced to England by the Normans in the 11th century.
Pronunciation
- IPA(key): /d͡ʒɛf/
- Homophone: Geoff
- Rhymes: -ɛf
Proper noun
Jeff (plural Jeffs)
- A diminutive of the male given names Jeffrey, Jeffery, Jefferey, Jeffry, or Jefferson.
- 2025 June 26, Peter D'Abrosca, “Austin Metcalf’s accused killer Karmelo Anthony needs support fighting ‘white supremacy’ after murder indictment: spox”, in New York Post[2]:
- After Anthony’s bond was reduced from $1 million to $250,000 in April, a press conference hosted by Alexander and NGAN devolved into chaos when Jeff Metcalf showed up.
- A surname.
Synonyms
Derived terms
Statistics
- According to the 2010 United States Census, Jeff is the 10255th most common surname in the United States, belonging to 3144 individuals. Jeff is most common among White (43.52%) and Black/African-American (34.01%) individuals.
References
- ^ Louis Guinet, Les emprunts gallo-romans au germanique (du 1er à la fin du Ve siècle), éditions Klincksieck, 1982.
- ^ Albert Dauzat, Noms et prénoms de France, 1951; édition revue et commentée par Marie-Thérèse Morlet Librairie Larousse 1980, p. 287b - 288a.
Manx
Proper noun
Jeff m
- a male given name, equivalent to English Geoffrey