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Genevieve Girl

Popularity: #161 · Trend: ↗ Rising

Origin(s)

PronunciationJEN-uh-veev / ˈdʒɛnəˌviːv

French; Latin

Meaning

French: woman of the race; Latin: tribe woman

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Genevieve has its roots in the Old French name "Genèvieve," which is derived from the Germanic elements "ken," meaning "kin" or "family," and "wefa," meaning "woman" or "wife." The name was introduced to England after the Norman Conquest in the 11th century, where it evolved into various forms, including the anglicized "Genevieve." Its etymological journey reflects a blend of cultural influences, transitioning from Germanic origins through Old French before becoming established in the English language.

Historically, Genevieve is closely associated with Saint Genevieve, the patron saint of Paris, who lived in the 5th century. She is credited with saving the city from an invasion by Attila the Hun, and her veneration grew significantly during the Middle Ages, particularly in France. The cult of Saint Genevieve was prominent in the 9th century, with her feast day celebrated on January 3. The name gained further recognition through various hagiographies and ecclesiastical texts, which contributed to its enduring presence in Christian tradition.

Culturally, Genevieve has been linked to themes of protection and strength, often symbolizing resilience in the face of adversity. The name has been embraced in various artistic and literary works throughout history, reinforcing its significance. In addition, diminutive forms such as "Gen" or "Genny" have emerged, reflecting the name's adaptability across different cultures and languages. Genevieve's historical and cultural resonance has ensured its place in the lexicon of names, embodying a rich tapestry of heritage and meaning.

Trend Summary

Genevieve has seen a resurgence in popularity in the United States, particularly in the 21st century.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Gen
  • Genny
  • Vieve

International Variants

  • Geneviève (French)
  • Ginevra (Italian)
  • Genoveva (Spanish)
  • Ginevieve (Italian)

Famous people named Genevieve

Genevieve Bujold is an actress best known for Anne of the Thousand Days, Dead Ringers, and Star Trek: Voyager.

Genevieve Nnaji is an actress and filmmaker best known for Lionheart, Half of a Yellow Sun, and The Wedding Party.

Genevieve Cortese is an actress best known for Supernatural, The Dead Zone, and The Blackcoat's Daughter.

Fictional characters named Genevieve

Genevieve is a fictional character from the animated film Barbie as The Island Princess. She is a princess who befriends a shipwrecked boy and learns about love and friendship throughout her adventures.

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Genevieve was first seen in the United States in 1880. Genevieve has ranked as high as #139 nationally, which occurred in 1918, and has been most popular in New York, California, Pennsylvania, Illinois, and Michigan. In the past 5 years the name Genevieve has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Genevieve (2024)

StateBirthsShare
CA 192
11%
TX 169
10%
FL 95
6%
NY 90
5%
IL 79
5%
PA 74
4%
OH 68
4%
VA 60
3%
NC 57
3%
MO 54
3%
WA 48
3%
NJ 47
3%
WI 45
3%
CO 43
3%
IN 42
2%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
188059
188158
188274
188381
188489
188587
1886136
1887149
1888154
1889201
1890217
1891201
1892236
1893243
1894271
1895313
1896305
1897371
1898391
1899356
1900420
1901368
1902410
1903427
1904481
1905508
1906561
1907678
1908654
1909785
1910908
1911989
19121,353
19131,684
19142,254
19152,928
19163,063
19173,192
19183,304
19193,155
19203,258
19213,235
19222,897
19232,869
19242,725
19252,404
19262,031
19272,032
19281,746
19291,583
19301,497
19311,360
19321,148
19331,055
1934969
1935893
1936767
1937692
1938686
1939623
1940616
1941618
1942609
1943603
1944490
1945443
1946476
1947411
1948443
1949414
1950387
1951354
1952337
1953319
1954295
1955300
1956276
1957338
1958314
1959254
1960274
1961319
1962277
1963290
1964276
1965238
1966219
1967200
1968196
1969257
1970308
1971329
1972327
1973295
1974316
1975334
1976400
1977399
1978458
1979469
1980510
1981507
1982527
1983483
1984479
1985508
1986446
1987439
1988449
1989403
1990501
1991421
1992456
1993432
1994432
1995462
1996460
1997420
1998471
1999511
2000523
2001582
2002737
2003787
2004754
2005795
2006888
2007963
20081,041
20091,155
20101,196
20111,365
20121,390
20131,465
20141,609
20151,778
20161,733
20171,666
20181,711
20191,722
20201,709
20211,840
20221,746
20231,750
20241,835