Geoffrey is a name of English origin, derived from the Germanic name "Gaufridus". This name is composed of two elements: "gauda", which means "to prosper" or "to succeed", and "frithu", which translates to "peace". Therefore, Geoffrey's meaning can be interpreted as "prosperity through peace".
The name Geoffrey was brought to England by the Normans during the 11th century when they invaded and conquered the country. It was quite popular among the nobility of that time, with several kings and nobles bearing this name. Some notable figures include Geoffrey II, Duke of Brittany, who played a significant role in the history of France and England, and Geoffrey Plantagenet, Count of Anjou, who became the father-in-law of King Henry II of England.
Throughout the centuries, Geoffrey has remained a popular choice for parents in various English-speaking countries. In fact, it experienced a resurgence in popularity during the late 20th century. Today, Geoffrey is still considered a classic and elegant name that carries a touch of historical significance.
Based on the statistics provided, the name Geoffrey has seen varying popularity over several decades in the United States.
The earliest recorded year for the name Geoffrey is 1963, with a total of 5 newborns given this name that year. This number remained consistent in 1964 as well, indicating that the name was already established but not yet widespread during this period.
There was a slight increase in popularity between 1968 and 1971, with the number of newborns named Geoffrey ranging from 6 to 8 each year. However, it's worth noting that there were no recorded births with the name Geoffrey in the years between 1973 and 1975.
The popularity of the name Geoffrey saw a notable surge starting from 1976, with 9 newborns receiving this name that year. This trend continued into the following decade, with the number of newborns named Geoffrey ranging from 5 to 10 each year between 1978 and 1993.
Overall, according to these statistics, a total of 140 babies were named Geoffrey in the United States over this period. Despite fluctuations in popularity, the name Geoffrey has maintained a consistent presence among newborns in the country during these years.