Meaning & Origin
An English surname originating as a patronymic; used specifically of Thomas Jefferson (1743–1826), the third president of the United States, principal author of the US Declaration of Independence (1776), and one of the most influential founders of the United States.
Jefferson is a boy's baby name of Old English origin, a patronymic surname meaning 'son of Geoffrey' (or Jeff, short for Jeffrey) — ultimately from the Germanic Gaufrid meaning 'traveler' or 'peaceful pledge.' Thomas Jefferson, principal author of the Declaration of Independence and third U.S. President, made this surname iconic in American history.
Jefferson carries more American founding-era gravitas than perhaps any other name. For parents who want to honor the ideals of liberty, intellectual independence, and democratic values, Jefferson is a name that wears those aspirations openly. With over 24,000 U.S. births, it has genuine traction as a given name with presidential prestige.