Geoffrey

Meaning

Proper Noun

• A male given name from Germanic languages. Popular in the U.K. in the 20th century.

Origin

• From Middle English Geffrey, from an Old French aristocratic name, Geoffroi (> West , East ), 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. The first element may be *gautaz (making the Proto-Germanic term *Gautafriþu), as opposed to *gōdaz or *gudą in Godfrey; this would also make it related to Jocelyn. The name was introduced to England by the Normans in the 11th century.