Genevieve Girl
Origin(s)
PronunciationJEN-uh-veev / ˈdʒɛnəˌviːvFrench; 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)
State | Births | Share |
---|---|---|
CA | 192 | |
TX | 169 | |
FL | 95 | |
NY | 90 | |
IL | 79 | |
PA | 74 | |
OH | 68 | |
VA | 60 | |
NC | 57 | |
MO | 54 | |
WA | 48 | |
NJ | 47 | |
WI | 45 | |
CO | 43 | |
IN | 42 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
Year | Births |
---|---|
1880 | 59 |
1881 | 58 |
1882 | 74 |
1883 | 81 |
1884 | 89 |
1885 | 87 |
1886 | 136 |
1887 | 149 |
1888 | 154 |
1889 | 201 |
1890 | 217 |
1891 | 201 |
1892 | 236 |
1893 | 243 |
1894 | 271 |
1895 | 313 |
1896 | 305 |
1897 | 371 |
1898 | 391 |
1899 | 356 |
1900 | 420 |
1901 | 368 |
1902 | 410 |
1903 | 427 |
1904 | 481 |
1905 | 508 |
1906 | 561 |
1907 | 678 |
1908 | 654 |
1909 | 785 |
1910 | 908 |
1911 | 989 |
1912 | 1,353 |
1913 | 1,684 |
1914 | 2,254 |
1915 | 2,928 |
1916 | 3,063 |
1917 | 3,192 |
1918 | 3,304 |
1919 | 3,155 |
1920 | 3,258 |
1921 | 3,235 |
1922 | 2,897 |
1923 | 2,869 |
1924 | 2,725 |
1925 | 2,404 |
1926 | 2,031 |
1927 | 2,032 |
1928 | 1,746 |
1929 | 1,583 |
1930 | 1,497 |
1931 | 1,360 |
1932 | 1,148 |
1933 | 1,055 |
1934 | 969 |
1935 | 893 |
1936 | 767 |
1937 | 692 |
1938 | 686 |
1939 | 623 |
1940 | 616 |
1941 | 618 |
1942 | 609 |
1943 | 603 |
1944 | 490 |
1945 | 443 |
1946 | 476 |
1947 | 411 |
1948 | 443 |
1949 | 414 |
1950 | 387 |
1951 | 354 |
1952 | 337 |
1953 | 319 |
1954 | 295 |
1955 | 300 |
1956 | 276 |
1957 | 338 |
1958 | 314 |
1959 | 254 |
1960 | 274 |
1961 | 319 |
1962 | 277 |
1963 | 290 |
1964 | 276 |
1965 | 238 |
1966 | 219 |
1967 | 200 |
1968 | 196 |
1969 | 257 |
1970 | 308 |
1971 | 329 |
1972 | 327 |
1973 | 295 |
1974 | 316 |
1975 | 334 |
1976 | 400 |
1977 | 399 |
1978 | 458 |
1979 | 469 |
1980 | 510 |
1981 | 507 |
1982 | 527 |
1983 | 483 |
1984 | 479 |
1985 | 508 |
1986 | 446 |
1987 | 439 |
1988 | 449 |
1989 | 403 |
1990 | 501 |
1991 | 421 |
1992 | 456 |
1993 | 432 |
1994 | 432 |
1995 | 462 |
1996 | 460 |
1997 | 420 |
1998 | 471 |
1999 | 511 |
2000 | 523 |
2001 | 582 |
2002 | 737 |
2003 | 787 |
2004 | 754 |
2005 | 795 |
2006 | 888 |
2007 | 963 |
2008 | 1,041 |
2009 | 1,155 |
2010 | 1,196 |
2011 | 1,365 |
2012 | 1,390 |
2013 | 1,465 |
2014 | 1,609 |
2015 | 1,778 |
2016 | 1,733 |
2017 | 1,666 |
2018 | 1,711 |
2019 | 1,722 |
2020 | 1,709 |
2021 | 1,840 |
2022 | 1,746 |
2023 | 1,750 |
2024 | 1,835 |