Jeffries is a unique and distinctive name of English origin. It is derived from the English surname Jeffery or Jeffrey, which itself is a derivative of the medieval given name Geoffrey. The name Geoffrey is composed of two Old French elements: "gex" meaning "pledge" or "wine" (both referring to a feudal contract), and "froy" meaning "peace". Therefore, the name Jeffries carries with it the meanings of "pledge of peace" or "peaceful pledge".
The name Jeffries has a long history in England. It was first recorded as a surname in the early 13th century, where it appeared as Jeffri and Geoffrey in various documents and records. Over time, the name evolved phonetically to become Jeffrey, Jeffery, and eventually Jeffries.
While Jeffries is still considered quite rare today, it has been used as a given name since at least the mid-19th century. It has also been the surname of several notable individuals throughout history, such as Thomas Jeffries, a 17th-century English explorer who played a significant role in the colonization of Virginia.
Overall, Jeffries is an uncommon yet historically rich name with roots tracing back to medieval England. Its unique sound and meaning make it a distinctive choice for parents looking for something special for their child.
The name Jeffries has seen a consistent presence in the United States over two years, with five births recorded each year from 1952 to 1953. This means that a total of ten babies were named Jeffries during this period. While not highly popular, as indicated by the small number of births, the name Jeffries has maintained a steady presence among new parents' choices for their children's names over these two years.