Jef

Jef is a Dutch and Flemish short form of Jeffrey or Jozef, both ultimately tracing back to distinct Germanic and Hebrew roots depending on which full form it represents. As a diminutive of Jeffrey, it derives from the Old Germanic name Godfrey, combining elements meaning "god" or "district" with "peace." As a reduction of Jozef, it connects to the Hebrew Yosef, meaning "he will add" or "God shall add," a name borne by the biblical patriarch Joseph. Related forms include Jeff, Geoff, Josef, and Joep.