Show ContentsJeve History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Etymology of Jeve

What does the name Jeve mean?

The name Jeve is from the ancient Anglo-Saxon culture of the Britain and comes from the baptismal name for the son of Geoffrey. "The Yorkshire Poll Tax contains endless references to Jeff, or Geff, or Gep; v. Gipp and Jeffs and Jephson. No wonder therefore that corrupted forms have come down to us; v. Geeves, where the Yorkshire instances will be found clearly explained." 1

However, another source claims the name was originally Norman as the Magni Rotuli Scaccarii Normanniae lists Peter de Cheef (Jeffs), Normandy, 1180-95. 2

Early Origins of the Jeve family

The surname Jeve was first found in Somerset where Thomas Jeve was the first recording of the family, I Edward III (during the first year's reign of King Edward III.) 3

Early History of the Jeve family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Jeve research. Another 116 words (8 lines of text) covering the years 1279, 1349, 1369 and 1578 are included under the topic Early Jeve History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Jeve Spelling Variations

The first dictionaries that appeared in the last few hundred years did much to standardize the English language. Before that time, spelling variations in names were a common occurrence. The language was changing, incorporating pieces of other languages, and the spelling of names changed with it. Jeve has been spelled many different ways, including Jeeves, Jeeve, Jeves, Jeve, Geeves, Geeve, Geve and many more.

Early Notables of the Jeve family

More information is included under the topic Early Jeve Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Jeve family

Thousands of English families in this era began to emigrate the New World in search of land and freedom from religious and political persecution. Although the passage was expensive and the ships were dark, crowded, and unsafe, those who made the voyage safely were rewarded with opportunities unavailable to them in their homeland. Research into passenger and immigration lists has revealed some of the very first Jeves to arrive in North America: John Jeeves, who sailed to Virginia in 1654.



  1. Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)
  2. The Norman People and Their Existing Descendants in the British Dominions and the United States Of America. Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing, 1975. Print. (ISBN 0-8063-0636-X)
  3. Dickinson, F.H., Kirby's Quest for Somerset of 16th of Edward the 3rd London: Harrison and Sons, Printers in Ordinary to Her Majesty, St, Martin's Lane, 1889. Print.


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