English Explanatory Dictionary

Geoffrey

English dictionary entry

Meanings

name
  1. A male given name from the Germanic languages, popular in the U.K. in the 20th century.
  2. A surname.

Pronunciation

/ˈd͡ʒɛfɹi/ LL-Q1860 (eng)-Vealhurl-Geoffrey.wav

Word forms

Geoffrey Jeffrey Jeffery Geffrey

Etymology

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 -us) Jotfredus, Jozsfredus, Josfredus (10th century) and Jof[f]redus, Jofridus, Jaufredus, Geffredus (11th century), and ultimately of Proto-Germanic origin. The second element is *friþuz (“peace, sanctuary”). The first element may be *gautaz (“a Geat, a Goth”) [making the Proto-Germanic term *Gautafriþu, as opposed to *gōdaz (“good”) or *gudą (“god”) in Godfrey; this would also make it related to Jocelyn]. The name was introduced to England by the Normans in the 11th century. Partially displaced Old English Ceolfriþ.

Related words

Geoff Godefridus Godefroy Godfrey Godofredo Goffredo Jefferson Jeffrey
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