The Jefferson Family History

What Does the Jefferson Surname Mean? Historical Origins Explained

The surname Jefferson has its origins in the names Jeffrey or Geoffrey, both of which convey the meaning of peace. Variants of the surname include Jeffrys, Jeffers, and Jefferies. In Scotland, bearers of the Jefferson surname predominantly reside in the counties of Angus, Inverness-shire, and Lanarkshire. Conversely, the largest concentrations of Jefferson families in England are found in the northern regions, particularly in Yorkshire and Cumberland. In the United States, the highest populations of individuals with the Jefferson surname are located in Virginia, South Carolina, Georgia, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas. Notable figures bearing this surname include Thomas Jefferson, the third President of the United States; John Jefferson, a professional football player; Geoffrey Jefferson, a pioneering neurosurgeon; and Arthur Stanley Jefferson, an actor famously known as Stan Laurel.