Jeff is a popular unisex name of American origin, derived from the word 'jeffrey', which means 'peace'. It has been used as a given name since the Middle Ages and was traditionally more common among males until recent years when it gained popularity for females as well.
The name Jeff has been worn by several notable individuals throughout history. One famous bearer of this name is American actor Jeffrey Lynn, who appeared in numerous films during Hollywood's Golden Age. Another notable figure is Jeff Goldblum, the American actor known for his roles in films like "Jurassic Park" and "The Grand Budapest Hotel".
In popular culture, Jeff has been used as a character name in various forms of media. In television, there was Jeff Winger, played by Joel McHale in the comedy series "Community". The name is also found in literature, such as in the novel "The Catcher in the Rye" by J.D. Salinger, where one of the characters is named Jeffrey but often referred to as Jeff.
Overall, while Jeff may seem like a simple and straightforward name, it has a rich history and has been carried by many notable figures throughout time. Its meaning, 'peace', could be seen as a fitting description for someone who bears this name, promoting harmony and tranquility.
The name Jeff experienced notable popularity in the mid-20th century, particularly during the late 1950s and early 1960s when it consistently ranked among the top choices for newborn boys, peaking at 20 births in 1960. However, its popularity declined steadily from the mid-1960s onwards, with fewer than 10 births per year from 1970 onward, and only five births each in 1971, 1972, and 1982. Overall, Jeff was chosen for 263 newborn boys between 1925 and 1988.