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Show ContentsJeffrey History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
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Family Crest Download (JPG) Heritage Series - 600 DPI

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The Jeffrey surname is a patronymic name that comes from the personal names Geoffrey and Godfrey. These names appear in Old English as Geffrey and in Old French as Jefroi or Jeufroi.

Goisfridus, Gaufridus and Gosfridus are all listed in the Domesday Book of 1086. 1 At this time people tended to only use a surname; forenames came years later. Galfridus was listed in Lincolnshire c. 1150 and Simon filius Gosfrei was listed in the Curia Regis Rolls for Norfolk in 1210. Walter Geffrei was listed in the Curia Regis Rolls for Norfolk in 1203 and Gefray was listed in the Assize Rolls for Somerset in 1243. 2

Geoffrey (d. 1093), was "Bishop of Coutances, [who] came of a noble Norman family settled at Montbrai, or, as pronounced in English, Mowbray, in the arrondissement of St. Lô; he was brother of Roger of Mowbray, and his sister Amicia married Roger of Albini. He was consecrated bishop of Coutances at Rouen on 10 April 1048, and is described as tall, handsome, and prudent." 3

Geoffrey of Gorham (d. 1146), was Abbot of St. Albans, and "was descended from ancestors of noble rank both in Normandy and in Maine, of which county he was a native. " 3

Geoffrey of Monmouth (1100?-1154), "otherwise Galfridus or Gaufridus Arturus, Galfridus Monemutensis, styled by Welsh writers Galffrai or Gruffyd ab Arthur, bishop of St. Asaph and chronicler, was either born or bred at Monmouth about the commencement of the twelfth century, and may have been at one time a monk of the Benedictine abbey there. He was the son of Arthur, who, according to Welsh authorities, was family priest of William, Earl of Gloucester, an apocryphal personage." 3

Early Origins of the Jeffrey family

The surname Jeffrey was first found in the Domesday Book of 1086 where early forms of the name were found: Goisfridus, Gaufridus, Gosfridus. Later in Lincolnshire, Galfridus was found c. 1150. It wasn't until 1210, for the name to emerge with a forename: Simian filius Gosfrie in the Curia Regis Rolls for Norfolk. Agnes Geffreys was found in the Subsidy Rolls for Suffolk in 1283 and a few years later, Robert Geoffray was listed in the Assize Rolls for Staffordshire in 1293. 2

Early History of the Jeffrey family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Jeffrey research. Another 198 words (14 lines of text) covering the years 1296, 1327, 1332, 1333, 1340, 1379, 1450, 1499, 1566, 1578, 1610, 1613, 1643, 1645, 1647, 1674, 1685, 1689, 1703, 1720, 1723, 1768, 1772, 1776, 1777 and 1779 are included under the topic Early Jeffrey History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Jeffrey Spelling Variations

Although there are not an extremely large number Welsh surnames, there are an inordinately large number of spelling variations of those surnames. This variety of spellings began almost immediately after the acceptance of surnames within Welsh society. As time progressed, these old Brythonic names were eventually were recorded in English. This process was problematic in that many of the highly inflected sounds of the native language of Wales could not be properly captured in English. Some families, however, did decide to modify their own names to indicate a branch loyalty within the family, a religious adherence, or even a patriotic affiliation. The name Jeffrey has seen various spelling variations: Jeffreys, Jeffereys, Jefferies, Jeffers, Jefferis, Jefferyes, Jefferys, Jeffries, Jeffry, Jeffs, Jefries and many more.

Early Notables of the Jeffrey family

Prominent amongst the family during the late Middle Ages was

  • George Jeffreys, 1st Baron Jeffreys of Wem (1645-1689), Welsh jurist & politician, known as "The Hanging Judge," Lord Chancellor of Britain
  • George Jeffreys (ca.1610-1685), an English composer and organist to King Charles I at Oxford in 1643

Jeffrey World Ranking

In the United States, the name Jeffrey is the 3,006th most popular surname with an estimated 9,948 people with that name. 4 However, in Australia, the name Jeffrey is ranked the 674th most popular surname with an estimated 5,814 people with that name. 5 And in the United Kingdom, the name Jeffrey is the 903rd popular surname with an estimated 7,594 people with that name. 6

Ireland Migration of the Jeffrey family to Ireland

Some of the Jeffrey family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 56 words (4 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

United States Jeffrey migration to the United States +

The Welsh migration to North America in the late 19th and early 20th centuries contributed greatly to its rapid development. These migrants were in search of land, work, and freedom. Those Welsh families that survived the long ocean journey were critical to the development of new industries and factories, and to the quick settlement of land. They also added to an ever-growing rich cultural heritage. A search of the immigration and passenger lists has shown a number of people bearing the name Jeffrey:

Jeffrey Settlers in United States in the 17th Century
  • William Jeffrey, who arrived in Weymouth, Massachusetts in 1631 7
  • Thomas Jeffrey, who arrived in Maryland in 1680 7
Jeffrey Settlers in United States in the 19th Century
  • Henry Jeffrey, aged 26, who arrived in Texas in 1829 7
  • James K Jeffrey, who arrived in New York in 1833 7
  • Mr. ThomasJeffrey, (b. 1804), aged 32, Cornish miner departing from Falmouth aboard the "Royal Adelaide" arriving in the United States on 11th May 1836 8
  • Mr. Robert Jeffrey, (b. 1818), aged 19, Cornish miner departing from Falmouth aboard the ship"Royal Adelaide" arriving in the United States on 8th May 1837 8
  • Mr. E. Jeffrey, (b. 1827), aged 21, Cornish miner departing from Penzance aboard the ship "Mountaineer" arriving in the United states on 29th May 1848 8
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
Jeffrey Settlers in United States in the 20th Century
  • Mr. James Jeffrey, (b. 1884), aged 19, Cornish miner travelling aboard the ship "Aurania" arriving at Ellis Island, New York on 8th October 1903 en route to Hancock, Michigan, USA 9
  • Mrs. Clara Jeffrey, (b. 1870), aged 33, Cornish settler from Chacewater, Cornwall, UK travelling aboard the ship "Campania" arriving at Ellis Island, New York on 15th August 1903 en route to Butte, Montana, USA 9
  • Mr. John J. Jeffrey, (b. 1884), aged 21, Cornish miner from Pendeen, Cornwall, UK travelling aboard the ship "Lucania" arriving at Ellis Island, New York on 1st September 1905 en route to Houghton, Michigan, USA 9
  • Mr. Arthur Jeffrey, (b. 1881), aged 24, Cornish shipwright travelling aboard the ship "Philadelphia" arriving at Ellis Island, New York in 1905 en route to Cleveland, Ohio, USA 9
  • John Jeffrey, who landed in Alabama in 1925 7

Australia Jeffrey migration to Australia +

Emigration to Australia followed the First Fleets of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include:

Jeffrey Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century
  • Mr. Robert Jeffrey, Scottish convict who was convicted in Edinburgh, Scotland for life, transported aboard the "England"on 28th April 1826, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 10
  • George Jeffrey, who arrived in Adelaide, Australia aboard the ship "Theresa" in 1847 11
  • James Jeffrey, who arrived in Adelaide, Australia aboard the ship "Theresa" in 1847 11
  • Ann Jeffrey, who arrived in Adelaide, Australia aboard the ship "Pakenham" in 1849 12
  • Rebecca Jeffrey, who arrived in Adelaide, Australia aboard the ship "Pakenham" in 1849 12
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
Jeffrey Settlers in Australia in the 20th Century
  • Mr. Charles Phil Jeffrey, (b. 1894), aged 6, Cornish settler travelling aboard the ship "Oruba" arriving in Queensland, Australia on 14th October 1900 13
  • Miss Clara Jeffrey, (b. 1892), aged 8, Cornish settler travelling aboard the ship "Oruba" arriving in Queensland, Australia on 14th October 1900 13
  • Mr. Harold Jeffrey, (b. 1900), aged Infant, Cornish settler travelling aboard the ship "Oruba" arriving in Queensland, Australia on 14th October 1900 13
  • Mrs. Harriett Jeffrey, (b. 1868), aged 32, Cornish settler travelling aboard the ship "Oruba" arriving in Queensland, Australia on 14th October 1900 13
  • Mr. John Jeffrey, (b. 1867), aged 33, Cornish settler travelling aboard the ship "Oruba" arriving in Queensland, Australia on 14th October 1900 13
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

New Zealand Jeffrey migration to New Zealand +

Emigration to New Zealand followed in the footsteps of the European explorers, such as Captain Cook (1769-70): first came sealers, whalers, missionaries, and traders. By 1838, the British New Zealand Company had begun buying land from the Maori tribes, and selling it to settlers, and, after the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, many British families set out on the arduous six month journey from Britain to Aotearoa to start a new life. Early immigrants include:

Jeffrey Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century
  • Mr. Henry Jeffrey, British settler travelling from London aboard the ship "Joseph Fletcher" arriving in Auckland, New Zealand on 30th September 1853 14
  • Mr. Josiah Jeffrey, British settler travelling from London, UK aboard the ship "Baltasara" arriving in Auckland, New Zealand on 20th January 1854 14
  • Mr. Phillip Jeffrey, British settler travelling from London, UK aboard the ship "Baltasara" arriving in Auckland, New Zealand on 20th January 1854 14
  • Mr. John Jeffrey, British settler travelling from London, UK aboard the ship "Baltasara" arriving in Auckland, New Zealand on 20th January 1854 14
  • Mr. Henry Jeffrey, British settler travelling from London, UK aboard the ship "Baltasara" arriving in Auckland, New Zealand on 20th January 1854 14
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Contemporary Notables of the name Jeffrey (post 1700) +

  • Hester C. Jeffrey (1842-1934), née Whitehurst, also known as Jeffreys or Jeffries, or Mrs. R. Jerome Jeffrey, an American activist, suffragist, and community organizer in Rochester, New York, and New York City
  • Paul Jeffrey (1933-2015), American jazz tenor saxophonist, arranger, and educator., best known for performing with Thelonious Monk (1970-1975)
  • Jared Jeffrey (b. 1990), American soccer player
  • Mildred McWilliams "Millie" Jeffrey (1910-2004), American political and social activist during the labor reforms and civil rights movements, recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom
  • Arthur F. Jeffrey, American fighter pilot and flying ace in the U.S. Army Air Forces, during World War II, credited with 14 aerial victories
  • Mildred Jeffrey (1910-2004), American Democratic Party politician, Member of Michigan Democratic State Central Committee, 1957-61; Member of Democratic National Committee from Michigan, 1961-69 15
  • James Franklin Jeffrey (b. 1946), American politician, U.S. Ambassador to Albania, 2002-04; Turkey, 2008-10; Iraq, 2010- 15
  • Harry Palmer Jeffrey (1901-1997), American Republican politician, U.S. Representative from Ohio 3rd District, 1943-45 15
  • George Jeffrey, American politician, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, 1929-33 15
  • Frank Rumer Jeffrey (b. 1889), American Republican politician, Private Secretary to U.S. Sen. Wesley L. Jones 15
  • ... (Another 13 notables are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
Empress of Ireland
  • Miss Mary Ann Jeffrey (1897-1914), Canadian Third Class Passenger from Calgary, Alberta, Canada who was traveling aboard the Empress of Ireland and died in the sinking 16
Ibrox disaster
  • John Jeffrey (1955-1971), Scottish football supporter, from Glasgow who was at the Ibrox disaster on 2nd January 1971 when a human crush among the crowd killed 66 and injured 200 people he died of his injuries 17

Suggested Readings for the name Jeffrey +

  • The Jeffrey Family by Mrs. Clarence Jeffrey.
  1. Williams, Dr Ann. And G.H. Martin, Eds., Domesday Book A Complete Translation. London: Penguin, 1992. Print. (ISBN 0-141-00523-8)
  2. Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
  3. Smith, George (ed), Dictionary of National Biography. London: Smith, Elder & Co., 1885-1900. Print
  4. "What are the 5,000 Most Common Last Names in the U.S.?". NameCensus.com, https://namecensus.com/last-names/
  5. "Most Common Last Names in Australia." Forebears, https://forebears.io/australia/surnames
  6. "UK surname ranking." UK Surname map, https://www.surnamemap.eu/unitedkingdom/surnames_ranking.php?p=10
  7. Filby, P. William, Meyer, Mary K., Passenger and immigration lists index : a guide to published arrival records of about 500,000 passengers who came to the United States and Canada in the seventeenth, eighteenth, and nineteenth centuries. 1982-1985 Cumulated Supplements in Four Volumes Detroit, Mich. : Gale Research Co., 1985, Print (ISBN 0-8103-1795-8)
  8. Cornwall Online Parish Clerks. (Retrieved 2018, April 30). Emigrants to New York 1820 - 1891 [PDF]. Retrieved from http://www.opc-cornwall.org/Resc/pdfs/emigration_new_york_1820_1891.pdf
  9. Cornwall Online Parish Clerks. (Retrieved 3rd May 2018). Retrieved from http://www.opc-cornwall.org/Resc/pdfs/emigration_ellis_island_1892_on.pdf
  10. Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 24th April 2022). https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/england
  11. State Records of South Australia. (Retrieved 2010, November 5) THERESA 1847. Retrieved from http://www.slsa.sa.gov.au/BSA/1847Theresa.htm
  12. State Records of South Australia. (Retrieved 2010, November 5) The PAKENHAM 1849. Retrieved from http://www.slsa.sa.gov.au/BSA/1849Pakenham.htm
  13. Cornwall Online Parish Clerks. (Retreived 3rd May 2018). Retrieved from http://www.opc-cornwall.org/Resc/pdfs/emigration_australia_queensland.pdf
  14. New Zealand Yesteryears Passenger Lists 1800 to 1900 (Retrieved 17th October 2018). Retrieved from http://www.yesteryears.co.nz/shipping/passlist.html
  15. The Political Graveyard: Alphabetical Name Index. (Retrieved 2015, December 8) . Retrieved from http://politicalgraveyard.com/alpha/index.html
  16. Commemoration Empress of Ireland 2014. (Retrieved 2014, June 17) . Retrieved from http://www.empress2014.ca/seclangen/listepsc1.html
  17. Bradford City Football Club In memory (retrieved 22nd March 2021). Retrieved from https://www.bradfordcityafc.com/club/in-memoriam/
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