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Genevieve
Pronounced JEN-uh-veev /ˈdʒɛn.ə.viːv/High
Meaning: Tribe woman, woman of the people — from Old German <em>Genovefa</em>, possibly from Germanic <em>geno</em> (race, people) + <em>wefa</em> (woman) or <em>wīf</em> (wife)Medium
Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data
U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.
History & Origin
Genevieve is the French form of the Frankish name Genovefa, of disputed Germanic etymology. The most cited interpretation derives it from Germanic geno (kin, people, race) and wefa or wīf (woman, wife), meaning 'woman of the people' or 'tribe woman.' The name was made eternally famous by Saint Geneviève, the patron saint of Paris.
Genevieve has been in continuous use in France since the early medieval period. In the United States it was popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, declined mid-century, and began a significant revival in the 2000s. It entered the U.S. top 200 girls' names by the 2010s, appealing to parents seeking a long, romantic, French-flavored classic.
Variations
Nicknames
Famous Bearers
- ★Saint Geneviève (c. 422–512)Patron saint of Paris who reportedly protected the city from Attila the Hun through prayer.
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Frequently Asked
What does the name Genevieve mean?
Genevieve is thought to mean 'woman of the people' or 'tribe woman,' from Germanic elements, though the exact etymology is debated.
How do you pronounce Genevieve?
Genevieve is pronounced JEN-uh-veev /ˈdʒɛn.ə.viːv/ — four syllables with stress on the first.
Is Genevieve a boy or girl name?
Genevieve is a girls' name.
How popular is Genevieve?
Genevieve entered the U.S. top 200 girls' names in the 2010s and continues to rise as part of the grand-vintage name revival.