Boy
Jefferson
son of Jeffrey, peace
About Jefferson
Jefferson carries presidential gravitas and American historical significance, immediately calling to mind Thomas Jefferson and the founding principles of the nation. This surname-as-first-name trend choice offers substantial weight and traditional respectability. The name projects intelligence, leadership, and classical American values—qualities parents often hope to instill in their sons. Jefferson works beautifully in formal contexts, lending itself naturally to professional environments and serious pursuits. The built-in nickname Jeff provides a casual, friendly alternative for everyday interactions, giving the child flexibility in how he presents himself throughout different life stages. The name has a certain scholarly quality, suggesting someone who might excel in academic or political spheres, though it certainly doesn't limit a child to any particular path. Three syllables provide a satisfying rhythm, and the name pairs well with both simple and complex middle names. While undeniably traditional, Jefferson has seen renewed interest among parents seeking names with substance and historical depth. It's a choice that communicates thoughtfulness in naming, appealing to families who appreciate Americana, history, or simply want a name that sounds distinguished and commands respect.
Popularity of the Name Jefferson
Rank among the 1,000 most popular baby names, by year.
| United States | Ireland | Canada | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1880 | #255 | ||
| 1881 | #287 | ||
| 1882 | #296 | ||
| 1883 | #291 | ||
| 1884 | #274 | ||
| 1885 | #269 | ||
| 1886 | #296 | ||
| 1887 | #296 | ||
| 1888 | #313 | ||
| 1889 | #269 | ||
| 1890 | #275 | ||
| 1891 | #253 | ||
| 1892 | #291 | ||
| 1893 | #364 | ||
| 1894 | #325 | ||
| 1895 | #351 | ||
| 1896 | #411 | ||
| 1897 | #486 | ||
| 1898 | #313 | ||
| 1899 | #638 | ||
| 1900 | #475 | ||
| 1901 | #354 | ||
| 1902 | #421 | ||
| 1903 | #477 | ||
| 1904 | #473 | ||
| 1905 | #486 | ||
| 1906 | #448 | ||
| 1907 | #400 | ||
| 1908 | #506 | ||
| 1909 | #537 | ||
| 1910 | #575 | ||
| 1911 | #421 | ||
| 1912 | #498 | ||
| 1913 | #449 | ||
| 1914 | #473 | ||
| 1915 | #447 | ||
| 1916 | #548 | ||
| 1917 | #463 | ||
| 1918 | #489 | ||
| 1919 | #493 | ||
| 1920 | #488 | ||
| 1921 | #483 | ||
| 1922 | #491 | ||
| 1923 | #483 | ||
| 1924 | #462 | ||
| 1925 | #510 | ||
| 1926 | #510 | ||
| 1927 | #546 | ||
| 1928 | #593 | ||
| 1929 | #631 | ||
| 1930 | #617 | ||
| 1931 | #567 | ||
| 1932 | #539 | ||
| 1933 | #626 | ||
| 1934 | #577 | ||
| 1935 | #578 | ||
| 1936 | #739 | ||
| 1937 | #703 | ||
| 1938 | #789 | ||
| 1939 | #624 | ||
| 1940 | #586 | ||
| 1941 | #581 | ||
| 1942 | #634 | ||
| 1943 | #644 | ||
| 1944 | #556 | ||
| 1945 | #595 | ||
| 1946 | #587 | ||
| 1947 | #581 | ||
| 1948 | #613 | ||
| 1949 | #587 | ||
| 1950 | #558 | ||
| 1951 | #531 | ||
| 1952 | #564 | ||
| 1953 | #577 | ||
| 1954 | #547 | ||
| 1955 | #521 | ||
| 1956 | #601 | ||
| 1957 | #605 | ||
| 1958 | #556 | ||
| 1959 | #514 | ||
| 1960 | #596 | ||
| 1961 | #531 | ||
| 1962 | #543 | ||
| 1963 | #590 | ||
| 1964 | #552 | ||
| 1965 | #585 | ||
| 1966 | #559 | ||
| 1967 | #519 | ||
| 1968 | #518 | ||
| 1969 | #493 | ||
| 1970 | #488 | ||
| 1971 | #498 | ||
| 1972 | #515 | ||
| 1973 | #463 | ||
| 1974 | #516 | ||
| 1975 | #614 | ||
| 1976 | #587 | ||
| 1977 | #666 | ||
| 1978 | #655 | #360 | |
| 1979 | #645 | ||
| 1980 | #657 | ||
| 1981 | #632 | ||
| 1982 | #691 | ||
| 1983 | #733 | ||
| 1984 | #691 | ||
| 1985 | #682 | ||
| 1986 | #732 | ||
| 1987 | #761 | ||
| 1988 | #721 | ||
| 1989 | #723 | ||
| 1990 | #704 | ||
| 1991 | #675 | #751 | |
| 1992 | #711 | #968 | |
| 1993 | #632 | #949 | |
| 1994 | #694 | #709 | |
| 1995 | #679 | ||
| 1996 | #690 | ||
| 1997 | #683 | #901 | |
| 1998 | #724 | #865 | |
| 1999 | #627 | #949 | |
| 2000 | #716 | #743 | |
| 2001 | #762 | #384 | |
| 2002 | #706 | ||
| 2003 | #731 | #465 | #915 |
| 2004 | #660 | ||
| 2005 | #630 | ||
| 2006 | #646 | ||
| 2007 | #602 | ||
| 2008 | #600 | ||
| 2009 | #589 | #786 | |
| 2010 | #662 | ||
| 2011 | #703 | ||
| 2012 | #617 | ||
| 2013 | #610 | ||
| 2014 | #609 | ||
| 2015 | #672 | ||
| 2016 | #620 | ||
| 2017 | #698 | ||
| 2018 | #681 | ||
| 2019 | #740 | ||
| 2020 | #706 | ||
| 2021 | #724 | ||
| 2022 | #761 | ||
| 2023 | #762 | ||
| 2024 | #710 | ||
| 2025 | #831 |
Top names by country: United States · Ireland · Canada
Variations of Name Jefferson
Names Similar to Jefferson
Nicknames for Jefferson
- Jeff
- Jeffie
- Sonny
- JJ
Famous People Named Jefferson
| Jefferson Davis | President of the Confederate States during the American Civil War |
| Jefferson Airplane | Iconic rock band from the 1960s |
| Jefferson Hack | Co-founder of Dazed Media |
| Jefferson Pierce | DC Comics superhero known as Black Lightning |
| Jefferson Montero | Ecuadorian professional footballer |
| Jefferson Farfan | Peruvian footballer and World Cup participant |
| Jefferson Mays | Tony Award-winning actor |
| Jefferson Sobreira | Brazilian jiu-jitsu world champion |
| Jefferson Pérez | Olympic gold medalist in racewalking |
| Jefferson Poirot | French rugby union player |
| Jefferson Lerma | Colombian footballer |
| Jefferson Severino | Brazilian mixed martial artist |
| Jefferson Guzmán | Dominican baseball player |
| Jefferson Agustín Farfán Guadalupe | Peruvian singer and composer |
| Jefferson da Conceição Gonçalves | Portuguese footballer |
| Jefferson Nazareno | Ecuadorian weightlifter |
Characters Named Jefferson
| Jefferson "Jax" Jackson | DC Comics character and part of Firestorm |
| Jefferson Reid | From the radio show "The Thrilling Adventure Hour" |
| Jefferson Davis "Boss" Hogg | From TV show "The Dukes of Hazzard" |
| Jefferson Brown | Character from the novel "Big Little Lies" |
| Jefferson Keane | From the TV show "Prison Break" |
| Jefferson Proctor | Character from the TV show "Veronica Mars" |
| Jefferson St. James | From the book series "The It Girl" |
| Jefferson Smith | Character from the game "Life is Strange 2" |
| Jefferson Steel | From the movie "A Cock and Bull Story" |
| Jefferson "Jeff" Tracy | From the TV show "Thunderbirds" |
| Jefferson Jackson | From the TV show "The Flash" |
| Jefferson Sims | From the TV show "House of Cards" |
| Jefferson Hope | From the anime "Monster" |
| Jefferson Reed | From the movie "Blankman" |
| Jefferson Steelflex | Character from the animated show "Archer" |
| Jefferson Twilight | From the animated show "The Venture Bros" |