Jeffery

Origin

Old French, from 'Geffray', a diminutive of 'Geoffroi' which is derived from the Germanic elements 'gief' meaning 'pay' or 'gift' and 'rich' meaning 'ruler'. The name found its way into English through Norman influence after the Norman Conquest of England, and later became popular in Scotland and England, and subsequently in Australia. The spelling 'Jeffery' is a variant of 'Jeffrey', with historical mentions dating back to medieval texts and royal records.

Meaning

'God peace' or 'divine gift'. In the Australian context, it often connotes a friendly, dependable personality, and has been a popular choice among generations of Australian families.

Pronunciation

/ˈdʒɛfəri/ (Australian English pronunciation, with the emphasis on the first syllable) [ˈdʒɛfəri] in IPA, featuring a soft 'J' sound, and a long 'ee' in the second syllable.

Variants & Nicknames

Name Days

• 24 June (Feast of Saint John the Baptist, as the name is sometimes associated with John)
• 24 June (traditional Catholic celebration)
• 25 June (In the Anglican tradition, sometimes celebrated)

Name Pairings

Names that pair well with jeffery:

• William and Jeffrey
• James and Jeffrey
• Charlotte and Jeffrey

Fun Facts

• The name Jeffery peaked in popularity in Australia during the mid-20th century, especially post-World War II.
• Several notable Australian sportsmen and entertainers bear this name, cementing its place in popular culture.
• The name appears frequently in British and Australian literature and films, often as a symbol of a friendly, loyal character.

Personality Traits

Common traits associated with the name jeffery:

• dependable
• friendly
• loyal
• dependable
• traditional

Aesthetic Qualities

Classic and straightforward, with a traditional appeal that suits both formal and informal contexts; visually balanced in type and easy to read in various fonts.

Geographical Distribution

Somewhat more common in New South Wales and Victoria, regions with historically higher European settlement densities and influence in naming patterns.

Numerological Significance

Name number 7, which is associated with introspection, analytical thinking, and spiritual pursuit, fitting attributes for an intelligent and thoughtful personality.

Astrological Connections

No direct astrological association, but the name's symbolism of giving and peace aligns well with the qualities of Libra or Pisces zodiac signs, which emphasise harmony and compassion.

Historical Context

The name has been borne by several notable Australians, including Jeffrey Archer (author), Jeffrey Rush (actor), and Jeffrey Braithwaite (academician). It has also appeared in popular Australian television shows and movies.

Linguistic Adaptability

Widely used in English-speaking countries, with spelling variations like Geoffrey, Jeffrey, and the less common Geffrey. Adapted into other scripts as Geofrey (French) or Jefery (less common).

Famous People Named jeffery

• Jeffrey Rush (Actor)
• Jeffrey Archer (Author)
• Jeffrey Braithwaite (Academic)

Popularity in Australia