Origin and Meaning of Jef

Derived from 'God's peace'

Origin: Dutch - Jef is a Dutch diminutive of the name Jefim, which derives from the Hebrew name Yehezkel, meaning 'God will strengthen' or 'God's peace'.

• Jef is often associated with a friendly or approachable persona, popular in Dutch-speaking countries.
• In Belgium, Jef is a common name across different regions, often used as a casual form of the more formal 'Jefim' or 'Jeffrey'.
• Notable bearers include Jef Patat, a famous Belgian cartoon character, and various sports figures like Jef Geeraerts, a Belgian painter.
• While Jef may not have extensive international popularity, it remains a cherished and traditional name among Dutch speakers.
• Similar names include Jefri (a variation with Islamic roots) and Jeffrey, which has a more widespread usage in English-speaking countries.