The name Jeffry is derived from the Old English name Geoffrey, which originated from the Norman French Geffrei or Geffroy. These names are thought to be derived from the Germanic elements "gavi" meaning "territory" and "frid" meaning "peace." The name essentially translates to "pledge of peace" or "peaceful territory."

The earliest recorded examples of the name can be traced back to the 11th century, shortly after the Norman conquest of England in 1066. One of the earliest known bearers of the name was Geoffrey Plantagenet, Count of Anjou, who lived from 1113 to 1151. He was the father of King Henry II of England and played a significant role in the Angevin dynastic struggle for control of the English throne.

In the 12th century, Geoffrey of Monmouth, a Welsh cleric and one of the major figures in the development of British historiography and the popularization of the Arthurian legend, wrote the influential work "Historia Regum Britanniae" (History of the Kings of Britain). This text helped to spread the name more widely throughout Britain.

Over the centuries, several notable individuals have borne the name Jeffry or its variants. One of the most famous was Geoffrey Chaucer, the renowned English poet and author of "The Canterbury Tales," who lived from around 1340 to 1400. His works had a significant influence on the development of English literature and the English language itself.

Another prominent bearer of the name was Sir Geoffrey de Havilland, the British aviation pioneer and aircraft designer, who lived from 1882 to 1965. He founded the de Havilland Aircraft Company and was responsible for the design of many successful aircraft, including the iconic Mosquito fighter-bomber of World War II.

In the 20th century, Geoffrey Boycott, the former English cricketer and captain, was a household name in the world of cricket. Born in 1940, he is widely regarded as one of the greatest batsmen of his era and was known for his dogged and defensive batting style.

While the name has its roots in Old English and Norman French, it has since spread to various cultures and languages around the world, with variations in spelling and pronunciation. The name Jeffry continues to be used today, carrying with it a rich historical legacy and the essence of its original meaning, "pledge of peace" or "peaceful territory."