Geoffrey is a strong and distinctive name of Norman origin, derived from the Old Germanic name "Gaufridus". This name is composed of two elements: "gaud" which means "to protect", and "frithu" which translates to "peace". Therefore, Geoffrey's meaning can be interpreted as "protector of peace".
The name Geoffrey first emerged in the 10th century with the rise of the Normans. It was introduced into England after the Norman Conquest of 1066 when William the Conqueror, whose mother was named Gunnora (a form of Gunhilda, a variant of Gaufridus), invaded and conquered England.
One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Geoffrey in England is found in the Domesday Book of 1086. Since then, Geoffrey has been used consistently throughout history and has become well-established among English-speaking populations.
Geoffrey was particularly popular during the Middle Ages, with many notable figures bearing this name, such as Geoffrey Chaucer, the famous English poet who authored "The Canterbury Tales". This further contributed to the popularity of the name and solidified its place in English history and literature.
Over time, various forms and variations of Geoffrey have emerged, including Geoff, Geoffery, Jeffery, Jeffrey, Jefrey, Jeff, Jeffie, and Jeffy. Despite these variants, Geoffrey remains a classic choice for parents seeking a strong and traditional name with a rich historical background.
The name Geoffrey experienced a significant surge in popularity from the mid-1930s onwards, with births peaking at 148 in 1940 and continuing to be quite common until around the late 1970s, when it started to decline. By the early 2000s, Geoffrey had become relatively uncommon, with fewer than 150 births per year. In recent years, it has seen a slight resurgence, with around 40-80 births annually.