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Genesis
Pronounced JEN-uh-sis /ˈdʒɛnəsɪs/High
Meaning: Beginning, origin, birth — from Greek genesis, also the name of the first book of the BibleHigh
Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data
U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.
History & Origin
Genesis comes directly from the Greek genesis, meaning origin, birth, or beginning. This was chosen by Greek-speaking Jewish scholars as the title for the first book of the Hebrew Bible (known in Hebrew as Bereshit, 'in the beginning'). The word entered English both through scripture and through general Greek vocabulary.
As a given name, Genesis is largely a late-20th-century American creation, growing first in Latino communities where word-name spirituality is common and then spreading more broadly. It entered the U.S. top 100 girls' names around 2000 and the top 75 by the 2010s. Its combination of spiritual weight and beautiful sound drives its enduring appeal.
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Frequently Asked
What does the name Genesis mean?
Genesis is a Greek word meaning 'beginning' or 'origin,' also the title of the first book of the Bible.
How do you pronounce Genesis?
It's said JEN-uh-sis /ˈdʒɛnəsɪs/ — three syllables, stress on the first.
Is Genesis a boy or girl name?
Genesis is used predominantly as a girls' name in the U.S.
How popular is Genesis?
Genesis ranks in the U.S. top 75 girls' names, with particular strength in Latino communities.