Jefferson

Jefferson is an English surname meaning “son of Jeffrey.” Its direct meaning is the family relationship, while Jeffrey's deeper name history is a separate question. The surname later became a given name, allowing a family connection to be preserved without requiring a parent actually to be named Jeffrey.

Thomas Jefferson is an immediate historical association for many Americans, and Jefferson Davis supplies another significant association that parents may wish to consider. The fictional Jefferson Smith in Mr. Smith Goes to Washington offers a different cultural reference. Jeff is the most straightforward everyday shortening. The full name's three syllables give it a more substantial rhythm than Jeffrey while retaining the same central family connection.