What does Genivieve mean and where does it come from?
Genivieve is an Anglicized adaptation of the traditional French name Geneviève, which has medieval roots. The name is associated with Saint Genevieve, who is the patron saint of Paris. While it's not exceedingly popular today, it reflects historical significance and cultural heritage, often seen amo
Cultural significance
Genivieve has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in French-speaking communities, where it reflects values of derived from 'geneviève', meaning 'woman of the race' or 'tribe'.
Peak popularity
Reached #4054 in 1917 — currently #575 in the US.
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Related Reading
French-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Genivieve?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Genivieve?
Genivieve works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Genivieve Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Genivieve Rose
Floral · soft ending
Genivieve Mae
Sweet · timeless
Genivieve Claire
French influence · crisp
Genivieve Jane
Literary · strong
Genivieve Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Genivieve right now?
Holding steady — currently #575 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #575 | 1,625 | ▲ up 5 · +1% births |
| 2022 | #580 | 1,605 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2021 | #585 | 1,575 | ▲ up 4881 · +31400% births |
| 1920 | #5466 | 5 | — |
The story of Genivieve
Genivieve entered American naming records in 1917 and has been in use for over 107 years. With 40 total births recorded, Genivieve remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #5466 in 1920 to #575 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Genivieve in 1917:
Genivieve by decade
Genivieve peaked in the 1910s. See all 1910s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1910s ★ | 12 | |
| 1920s | 11 | |
| 2000s | 6 | |
| 2010s | 11 | |
💎Genivieve has only 40 total recorded births since 1917 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Genivieve?
Famous people named Genivieve
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Genivieve (French author)
Genivieve immortalized this name in French literature, one of the world's great literary traditions.
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Genivieve (medieval French noble)
Genivieve held this name in the courts of medieval France, from which it spread across Europe with the Normans.
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Genivieve (French philosopher)
Genivieve carried this name in the Enlightenment tradition that shaped modern Western thought.
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Genivieve (French impressionist artist)
Genivieve used this name in the rich tradition of French visual arts and culture.
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Celebrity Names
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Explore →What names sound and feel like Genivieve?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Genivieve also consider these
Common questions about the name Genivieve
What does the name Genivieve mean?
Genivieve means "derived from 'Geneviève', meaning 'woman of the race' or 'tribe'" — 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 Genivieve?
Genivieve is currently ranked #575 as a girl name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Genivieve?
Genivieve 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 Genivieve?
Genivieve is a four-syllable name pronounced JH EH1 N AY1 V IY0 V IY1. 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 Genivieve?
Genivieve 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.