Jeff
From Jeffrey, a variant of Geoffrey, from Middle English Geffrey, from an Old French aristocratic name, Geoffroi [dʒɔfreʲ] (> West Middle French Geoffrey, East Middle…
Every Jeff since 1880 — 120,502 of them. Popularity, births, and rankings for each year, from official Social Security records.
The story of Jeff
Jeff is rare for boys in the United States, ranked #3,342 in 2025 with 35 babies given the name. It is currently declining compared with a decade ago.
Since 1880, 120,502 American babies have been named Jeff. Its peak came in 1961, when 9,474 newborns received the name — the signature sound of the 1960s.
The chart above shows the full history: the popularity view (births per 1,000 babies) is the honest comparison across generations, since total US births have changed enormously since 1880. Switch to the rank view to see where Jeff stood among all boys' names in any year, or use the compare tool to plot it against other names.
Jeff year by year
Every year since 2001, and five-year steps back to 1880. Rank is within each sex.
| Year | Girls | Girls rank | Boys | Boys rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | — | — | 35 | #3,342 |
| 2024 | — | — | 43 | #2,931 |
| 2023 | — | — | 35 | #3,375 |
| 2022 | — | — | 46 | #2,810 |
| 2021 | — | — | 56 | #2,423 |
| 2020 | — | — | 43 | #2,816 |
| 2019 | — | — | 53 | #2,505 |
| 2018 | — | — | 67 | #2,109 |
| 2017 | — | — | 59 | #2,256 |
| 2016 | — | — | 58 | #2,291 |
| 2015 | — | — | 72 | #2,004 |
| 2014 | — | — | 100 | #1,582 |
| 2013 | — | — | 80 | #1,802 |
| 2012 | — | — | 78 | #1,872 |
| 2011 | — | — | 90 | #1,671 |
| 2010 | — | — | 113 | #1,458 |
| 2009 | — | — | 128 | #1,350 |
| 2008 | — | — | 142 | #1,230 |
| 2007 | — | — | 161 | #1,122 |
| 2006 | — | — | 141 | #1,191 |
| 2005 | — | — | 130 | #1,219 |
| 2004 | — | — | 163 | #1,011 |
| 2003 | — | — | 156 | #1,014 |
| 2002 | — | — | 162 | #974 |
| 2001 | — | — | 171 | #913 |
| 2000 | — | — | 164 | #931 |
| 1995 | — | — | 154 | #881 |
| 1990 | — | — | 249 | #643 |
| 1985 | 6 | #9,802 | 373 | #441 |
| 1980 | — | — | 542 | #339 |
| 1975 | — | — | 882 | #234 |
| 1970 | 9 | #5,564 | 2,881 | #116 |
| 1965 | 15 | #3,318 | 5,406 | #62 |
| 1960 | 20 | #2,768 | 8,511 | #49 |
| 1955 | 5 | #6,228 | 1,482 | #182 |
| 1950 | — | — | 539 | #291 |
| 1945 | — | — | 538 | #249 |
| 1940 | — | — | 279 | #340 |
| 1935 | 5 | #4,519 | 137 | #484 |
| 1930 | — | — | 177 | #444 |
| 1925 | 5 | #5,360 | 189 | #438 |
| 1920 | — | — | 207 | #410 |
| 1915 | — | — | 183 | #398 |
| 1910 | — | — | 83 | #267 |
| 1905 | — | — | 62 | #248 |
| 1900 | — | — | 69 | #246 |
| 1895 | — | — | 65 | #215 |
| 1890 | — | — | 77 | #177 |
| 1885 | — | — | 63 | #200 |
| 1880 | — | — | 66 | #188 |
Famous people named Jeff
- Jeff Beck Musician · b. 1944
- Jeff Bridges Actor · b. 1949
- Jeff Bezos Businessperson · b. 1964
- Jeff Goldblum Actor · b. 1952
- Jeff Koons Artist · b. 1955
Ranked by global fame across Wikipedia editions (Pantheon project, MIT).
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Jeff mean?
From Jeffrey, a variant of Geoffrey, from Middle English Geffrey, from an Old French aristocratic name, Geoffroi [dʒɔfreʲ] (> West Middle French Geoffrey, East Middle French Geoffroy), itself from Proto-French forms (latinized in…
How popular is the name Jeff in 2025?
Jeff ranked #3,342 among boys' names in the United States in 2025, with 35 babies given the name, according to Social Security Administration data.
How many people are named Jeff?
120,502 babies have been named Jeff in the United States since 1880, based on Social Security card applications.
When was the name Jeff most popular?
Jeff peaked in 1961, when 9,474 newborns received the name.
Is Jeff a boy or girl name?
Jeff is overwhelmingly a boy's name — 100% of babies with the name.
Is the name Jeff rising or falling?
Jeff is declining — less popular now than a decade ago.
Who are famous people named Jeff?
Well-known people named Jeff include Jeff Beck (musician), Jeff Bridges (actor), Jeff Bezos (businessperson).