Save Type Surname (from given name) Usage English Pronounced Pron. JEHF-ər-sən [key·IPA] Meaning & HistoryExpand Links Means "son of Jeffrey". A famous bearer was American president Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826). Since this surname was sometimes adopted by freed slaves, it is now more common among the African-American population. Related NamesDetails VariantsJeffers, Jeffery, JeffriesGiven Name DescendantJefferson(English) Categories American founding fathers, American presidential surnames, American vice presidents, blues musicians, ends in -son, Hamilton characters, NBA players, R.E.M. lyrics, Rick and Morty characters, Sesame Street characters