The name Geoffrey originated from the Old French Geoffroi, which derived from the Germanic Godefrid, a compound name composed of the elements god (good) and frid (peace). It emerged during the Middle Ages, around the 11th century, and was initially popularized in Normandy, France.

The earliest known bearer of the name was Geoffrey Plantagenet, Count of Anjou (1113-1151), the father of Henry II, King of England. Geoffrey Plantagenet played a significant role in the conflict between King Stephen and Empress Matilda, vying for the English throne during the Anarchy period.

Another notable Geoffrey was Geoffrey Chaucer (c. 1343-1400), the famous English poet and author of the Canterbury Tales. Chaucer is considered the greatest English poet of the Middle Ages and a pioneer of vernacular literature.

Geoffrey of Monmouth (c. 1095-1155), a British cleric and one of the major figures in the development of British historiography, is known for his influential work Historia Regum Britanniae (History of the Kings of Britain), which introduced the legend of King Arthur to a wider audience.

In the 12th century, Geoffrey de Villehardouin (c. 1150-1212), a French historian and chronicler, documented the Fourth Crusade in his work De la Conquête de Constantinople (On the Conquest of Constantinople), providing an invaluable historical account of the event.

Another notable bearer of the name was Geoffrey of Beaulieu (c. 1200-1274), an English chronicler and monk who wrote a detailed account of the Barons' War, a civil war in England during the reign of Henry III, in his work Chronicon sive Annales Prioratus de Bello.

These are just a few examples of prominent individuals named Geoffrey throughout history, reflecting the name's long-standing presence and significance across various fields, including literature, history, and religious orders.