What does Genevieve mean and where does it come from?
Genevieve is a name of French origin, derived from the Old German name 'Genovefa'. It is closely associated with Saint Genevieve, the patron saint of Paris, known for her piety and for saving the city from Attila the Hun. The name has been popular in various European cultures, especially in France,
Cultural significance
Genevieve has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in French-speaking communities, where it reflects values of french.
Peak popularity
Reached #76 in 1914 — currently #165 in the US.
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Related Reading
French-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Genevieve?
Genevieve works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Genevieve Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Genevieve Rose
Floral · soft ending
Genevieve Mae
Sweet · timeless
Genevieve Claire
French influence · crisp
Genevieve Jane
Literary · strong
Genevieve Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Genevieve right now?
Holding steady — currently #165 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #165 | 1,750 | stable |
| 2022 | #165 | 1,746 | ▼ down 11 · -5% births |
| 2021 | #154 | 1,840 | ▲ up 15 · +9% births |
| 2020 | #169 | 1,685 | ▲ up 13 · -5% births |
| 2015 | #182 | 1,774 | ▲ up 96 · +48% births |
| 2010 | #278 | 1,196 | ▲ up 115 · +50% births |
| 2005 | #393 | 795 | ▲ up 116 · +52% births |
| 2000 | #509 | 523 | ▲ up 14 · +13% births |
| 1995 | #523 | 462 | ▼ down 38 · -8% births |
| 1990 | #485 | 501 | ▼ down 52 · -1% births |
| 1985 | #433 | 508 | ▼ down 9 · -1% births |
| 1980 | #424 | 511 | ▲ up 101 · +53% births |
| 1975 | #525 | 334 | ▲ up 52 · +8% births |
| 1970 | #577 | 308 | ▲ up 58 · +29% births |
| 1965 | #635 | 238 | — |
The story of Genevieve
Genevieve has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. Its peak popularity was #76 in 1914. More than 116,017 babies have been named Genevieve since 1880. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #202 in 1880 to #165 in 2023. Genevieve is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.
Names that peaked alongside Genevieve in 1914:
Genevieve by decade
Genevieve peaked in the 1910s. See all 1910s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 1,088 | |
| 1890s | 2,904 | |
| 1900s | 5,292 | |
| 1910s | 22,865 | |
| 1920s ★ | 24,848 | |
| 1930s | 9,705 | |
| 1940s | 5,135 | |
| 1950s | 3,173 | |
| 1960s | 2,544 | |
| 1970s | 3,632 | |
| 1980s | 4,762 | |
| 1990s | 4,565 | |
| 2000s | 8,221 | |
| 2010s | 15,598 | |
| 2020s | 1,685 | |
What are good nicknames for Genevieve?
Famous people named Genevieve
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Genevieve (French philosopher)
Genevieve carried this name in the Enlightenment tradition that shaped modern Western thought.
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Genevieve (French impressionist artist)
Genevieve used this name in the rich tradition of French visual arts and culture.
G(
Genevieve (medieval French noble)
Genevieve held this name in the courts of medieval France, from which it spread across Europe with the Normans.
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Genevieve (French author)
Genevieve immortalized this name in French literature, one of the world's great literary traditions.
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Celebrity Names
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Explore →What names sound and feel like Genevieve?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Genevieve also consider these
How is Genevieve written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Genevieve
What does the name Genevieve mean?
Genevieve means "French" — a name rooted in French 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 Genevieve?
Genevieve is currently ranked #165 in the United States as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Genevieve?
Genevieve originates from French tradition. French 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 Genevieve?
Genevieve is a three-syllable name pronounced JH EH1 N AH0 V IY2 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 Genevieve?
Genevieve pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar French heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.