Geoffrey
Geoffrey: name meaning, origin and popularity
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈd͡ʒɛfɹi/
Meaning and origin of Geoffrey
Root meaning: “peace, sanctuary”
- A male given name from the Germanic languages, popular in the U.K. in the 20th century.
Etymology
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), 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]. The name was introduced to England by the Normans in the 11th century. Partially displaced Old E
How popular is Geoffrey?
Since 1880, 140 girls and 54,394 boys in the U.S. have been named Geoffrey (0% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #6141 in 1972. Its highest rank for boys was #167 in 1975. In 2025, 31 babies were given the name, outside the top 1,000.
Names similar to Geoffrey
Names that start with the same letters, most popular first.
More Germanic boy names
Sibling name ideas for Geoffrey
Sister and brother names that share Geoffrey's Germanic roots and are still in the U.S. top 1,000.
Geoffrey FAQ
What does the name Geoffrey mean?
Geoffrey traces back to a root meaning "peace, sanctuary". A male given name from the Germanic languages, popular in the U.K. in the 20th century. 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), 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]. The name was introduced to England by the Normans in the 11th century. Partially displaced Old E
What is the origin of the name Geoffrey?
Geoffrey is listed as a name of Germanic origin.
How popular is the name Geoffrey?
Since 1880, 140 girls and 54,394 boys in the U.S. have been named Geoffrey (0% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #6141 in 1972. Its highest rank for boys was #167 in 1975. In 2025, 31 babies were given the name, outside the top 1,000.
Is Geoffrey a boy or girl name?
Geoffrey is mostly a boy name in the U.S.: 140 girls and 54,394 boys since 1880.
Popularity data: U.S. Social Security Administration baby name data, 1880–2025 (names given to 5+ babies per year). Origin and etymology text: Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.