Surname Jeffris - Meaning and Origin
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Jeffris: What does the surname Jeffris mean?
The last name Jeffris is of Anglo-Saxon origin, with roots possibly in the English or Welsh regions. It is believed to have evolved from the personal name Geoffrey or Jeffrey, suggesting, "the son of Jeffrey". Its meaning could be interpreted as "peace traveller" or "divinely peaceful", given that Geoffrey is said to be derived from the Germanic elements 'gauji', meaning 'region' or 'territory', and 'frid', which means 'peace'. As with many surnames dating back to the Middle Ages, the spelling and form of the name Jeffris have likely morphed and evolved over time, leading to various spellings including Jefferies, Jeffries, Jeffers, Jeffreys, and others. It is essential to note that surnames had a functional purpose of differentiating individuals, particularly in regions where first names were commonly reused. The exact interpretation of Jeffris can vary based on regional and temporal context. However, direct etymological significance to the individual bearing the name in modern times is generally considered less relevant.
Order DNA origin analysisJeffris: Where does the name Jeffris come from?
The last name Jeffris is of Welsh origin, most likely a variant of the name Jeffrey, which is derived from the Germanic name Geoffrey, meaning "peaceful territory" or "peace". It may have been Anglicized over time and altered to take on the form "Jeffris". However, its exact origin and initial migration are not specifically known. Like many surnames, this name is not concentrated in one specific region in today's world. While it is fairly uncommon, it can be found with higher frequency in countries with a history of English and Welsh immigration such as the United States, Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Due to the frequent movement of people internationally, the name Jeffris can now be found in many parts of the world. Record of this surname in the United States date back to the early 19th century, primarily in states like Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Wisconsin.
Variations of the surname Jeffris
The surname Jeffris is believed to be of both Anglo-Saxon and Welsh origin. It is considered a variation of several other names that all purportedly originate from the personal names Geoffrey and Jeffrey. The variants of Jeffris might include Jeffries, Jeffers, Jeffrys, Jefferies, Jephries, Jaffray, Jaffery, and several others.
Each of these names potentially carries slight variations in spelling depending on the conditions like geographical location and personal preference. For instance, Jeffries can also be spelled as Jefferys, Geoffries, or Gefries in different regions or cultures. Similarly, the name Jeffers could also appear as Jefferies, Jeffree, Jeferis, Jefris, or Jeffreys.
The Welsh components of the name likely came from the personal name Ieuan, which translates as John in English, combined with "ap" or "ab" meaning "son of", resulting in Jefferis or Jefferies, which later became Jeffris in some cases. Keep in mind that spelling variations over time and across locations were quite common, particularly before the advent of standardization in language, so it's possible to encounter other variations as well.
Famous people with the name Jeffris
- Craig Jeffris: musician and songwriter best known for his production work with the band Earth, Wind & Fire and his tenures as the band's musical director and keyboardist.
- Kasey Jeffris: professional golfer from the United States who played on the PGA Tour from 1986 to 1996.
- Christine Jeffris: pianist and harpist, noted for her duo performances and recordings with guitarist Derek Bishop.
- Justin Jeffris: award-winning radio host and producer for KOOL 106.3 FM in Michigan.
- Dru Jeffris: British actor, best known for his roles in film, television and theatre.
- Shaun Jeffris: Tasmanian accountant and political candidate.
- Derek Jeffris: former American football quarterback who played eight seasons in the National Football League from 1992 to 2000.
- Paul Jeffris: multi-instrumentalist and record producer, active in underground and independent rock music circles since the 1990s.
- Aneesh Jeffris: physicist and West Point graduate, most recently serving as a professor of theoretical physics at Liberty University.
- Jake Jeffris: former Australian professional rugby league footballer who played for the Sydney Roosters, St. George Dragons and Penrith Panthers.