Holding steady.
Popularity of Jef since 1953
Babies named Jef per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1950s | 31 |
| 1960s | 71 |
| 1970s | 27 |
| 1980s | 0 |
| 1990s | 0 |
| 2000s | 0 |
| 2010s | 0 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Jef is a rare Dutch and Flemish short form of Joseph, first recorded in the United States in 1953. It has never ranked in the top 1000, with its peak year being 1963. The name has remained stable in usage over the decades, though it is very uncommon. Because of its rarity, it does not appear in the top states data. Jef may also be an alternative spelling of Jeff, which is an English diminutive of Jeffrey. The name carries a simple, straightforward sound and is easily recognizable.
Jef is primarily a Dutch and Flemish diminutive of Joseph, which derives from the Hebrew name Yosef meaning 'he will add.' However, in some cases it may be a variant spelling of Jeff, an English short form of Jeffrey. The name has been used independently since at least the 20th century, though it remains rare.
Nicknames & variants
Variants: Jeff
Sibling names for Jef
Names that share Jef's style, for a brother or sister.
