What does Genavieve mean and where does it come from?
Genavieve is a variant of the name Genevieve. It is derived from the Old French name 'Geneviève', which has roots in the Frankish name 'Kenowefa', meaning 'woman of the tribe'. It has been used since the 5th century and was popularized by Saint Genevieve, the patron saint of Paris. The name is preva
Cultural significance
Genavieve has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in France-speaking communities, where it reflects values of woman of honor.
Peak popularity
Reached #3330 in 2011 — currently #7769 in the US.
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Related Reading
France-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Genavieve?
Genavieve works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Genavieve Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Genavieve Rose
Floral · soft ending
Genavieve Mae
Sweet · timeless
Genavieve Claire
French influence · crisp
Genavieve Jane
Literary · strong
Genavieve Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Genavieve right now?
Rising fast — up 433 spots — currently #7769 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #7769 | 14 | ▲ up 433 · +8% births |
| 2022 | #8202 | 13 | ▼ down 818 · -13% births |
| 2021 | #7384 | 15 | ▼ down 1858 · -32% births |
| 2020 | #5526 | 22 | ▼ down 162 · -12% births |
| 2015 | #5364 | 25 | ▼ down 1224 · -31% births |
| 2010 | #4140 | 36 | ▼ down 704 · -18% births |
| 2005 | #3436 | 44 | ▲ up 2197 · +120% births |
| 2000 | #5633 | 20 | ▲ up 4519 · +150% births |
| 1995 | #10152 | 8 | ▼ down 946 · +14% births |
| 1985 | #9206 | 7 | — |
The story of Genavieve
Genavieve is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1984. With 781 total births recorded, Genavieve remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #9206 in 1985 to #7769 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Genavieve in 2011:
Genavieve by decade
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1980s | 24 | |
| 1990s | 90 | |
| 2000s ★ | 360 | |
| 2010s | 285 | |
| 2020s | 22 | |
💎Genavieve has only 781 total recorded births since 1984 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Genavieve?
What names sound and feel like Genavieve?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Genavieve also consider these
Common questions about the name Genavieve
What does the name Genavieve mean?
Genavieve means "woman of honor" — a name rooted in France tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Genavieve?
Genavieve is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Genavieve?
Genavieve originates from France tradition. France names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Genavieve?
Genavieve is a four-syllable name pronounced JH EH1 N AH0 V AY1 IY1 V. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Genavieve?
Genavieve pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar France heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.