The name Geoffrey is pronounced JEFF-ree. It is of Germanic origin, probably from the Frankish tribes who gave their name to France. It was brought to Britain by the Normans, and there were several aristocratic Geoffreys including Geoffrey Plantagenet, a 12th century count who was the founder of the royal house that included Richard Lionheart.
The name may drive from three Germanic words: gawia or "territory," walah or "stranger" and gisil or "pledge." On the other hand, it may just be a variant of Godfrey, which is derived from the old Germanic words for "God and peace." In any case, the name Geoffrey has always been fairly popular, though it was probably at its height in the Middle Ages – the poet Geoffrey Chaucer is a notable example.
A modern variant, especially popular in the US, is Jeffrey. The name is commonly shortened to Geoff or Jeff.
The name may drive from three Germanic words: gawia or "territory," walah or "stranger" and gisil or "pledge." On the other hand, it may just be a variant of Godfrey, which is derived from the old Germanic words for "God and peace." In any case, the name Geoffrey has always been fairly popular, though it was probably at its height in the Middle Ages – the poet Geoffrey Chaucer is a notable example.
A modern variant, especially popular in the US, is Jeffrey. The name is commonly shortened to Geoff or Jeff.
