The name Jeffery is a classic male given name of Old German origin, meaning "peaceful pledge." It has been a popular choice in English-speaking countries for many decades. Pronounced as JEFF-ree (/ˈdʒɛf.ri/), it has several variations including Geoffrey and Jeffrey. The name saw its peak popularity in the United States during the mid-20th century, particularly in the 1960s and 1970s when it consistently ranked within the top 50 names for boys. Over time, its usage has gradually declined, with 153 newborns named Jeffery in 2023, placing it at rank 1252. Despite its decreased frequency, Jeffery remains a timeless choice that carries connotations of reliability and serenity, making it an enduring option for parents seeking a traditional yet meaningful name for their child.
Field Marshal Jeffery Amherst, 1st Baron Amherst, was a British Army officer and Commander-in-Chief of the Forces known for his successful campaign to conquer New France during the Seven Years' War and for being the first British governor general in the territories that eventually became Canada. |
Jeffery Deaver is an accomplished American mystery and crime writer with a background in journalism and law, known for his award-winning novels that have achieved international bestseller status. |
Jeffery Edward Matthews was a British artist known for his work in postage stamp design, particularly for conceiving the color palette for the Machin definitive series in the mid-1980s. |
Jeffery Alan Jones is an award-winning composer, sound designer, and re-recording mixer known for his work on films like Sound, Most Beautiful Island, and Bitch. |
Jeffery Smith was a renowned baritone jazz vocal recording artist known for his distinctive debut album produced by Shirley Horn and his self-produced records, including "Down Here Below" and "A Little Sweeter," which received high praise from TIME magazine. |