Meaning and Origin of the Name Geoffrey

The name Geoffrey is of English and medieval Franch origin. The meaning of Geoffrey is God Peace.

Geoff is derived from the Dutch name Godfried and the German name Gottfried. The name Jeff is a derivative of Geoff.

Popularity

While never as well liked as Jeffery, the popularity of Geoffrey reached its highest peak on the charts in 1966 at 9th position.

Famous People Called Geoffrey

In history there have been a handful of famous and influential Geoffreys. Here are a few:

• British sitcom actor Geoffrey Palmer best known for his roles as Lionel Hardcastel in As Time Goes By and Ben Parkinson in Butterflies.
• Then there’s Sir Geoffrey Boycott, Test cricketer, nicknamed Fiery. Thought to be one of England’s most successful batsmen. Retiring in 1986.

• Going on along further back in history there was Geoffrey of Monmouth. This “Geoff” was a British cleric and anthropologist. Geoffrey of Monmouth was also a major figure in the development of British historiography and the popularity of King Arthur.
• There is also King Henry II son Geoffrey II Duke of Brittany.
• To add to that, there are a few other Geoffrey II. Geoffrey II of Thourus, and of Gatinas, and of Perche and of Anjou just to name a few.

Useful Resources

Discover the meaning and popularity of other English boys’ names.