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Home › Baby Names Directory › Genesee

Genesee

♀ Girl

Pronounced jen-uh-SEE /ˌdʒɛn.əˈsiː/Low

Meaning: Genesee is a North American place name - the Genesee River and valley of New York - from a Seneca/Iroquois word often rendered 'beautiful valley' or 'pleasant valley.' As a girl's name it doubles as a soft echo of the biblical Genesis.Low

In 30 seconds: Genesee is a place name from an Iroquois word for 'beautiful valley,' echoing Genesis. A rare American nature-name (said jen-uh-SEE).
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Origin LowIroquois, American
MeaningGenesee is a North American place name - the Genesee River and valley of New York - from a Seneca/Iroquois word often rendered 'beautiful valley' or 'pleasant valley.' As a girl's name it doubles as a soft echo of the biblical Genesis.
U.S. rank (2023)#15982 ↘ Falling
2023 U.S. births5 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)
Peak year2005
Total births (all-time)≈ 278

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 201719772023

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Genesee comes from the Genesee River and valley of western New York, whose name derives from a Seneca/Iroquois word usually translated 'beautiful' or 'pleasant valley.' As a given name it also chimes with the biblical Genesis, doubling its appeal for some families.

It has always been rare, given to only about fifteen girls a year at its small peak in the mid-two-thousands. A Genesee from that time is still a young person today.

Did you know? The Genesee River carves one of New York's loveliest gorges, and its Iroquois name - often read as 'pleasant valley' - is what a girl called Genesee carries.
Overall data confidence 40%
References - Genesee — Genesee River/valley NY; Seneca/Iroquois 'beautiful/pleasant valley'; echoes Genesis

Variations

GenesisGenesseeJenesee

Nicknames

GenNesee

Famous Bearers

  • Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Genesee…

Genesis— the name Genesee softly echoes
Cheyenne— a like American place-and-tribe name
Geneva— a like graceful Gen- place-name
Hazelee— another nature pick
Bettylee— shares Genesee's American roots

Explore names like Genesee

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Genesee mean?

It is a place name from an Iroquois word for 'beautiful' or 'pleasant valley'; it also echoes the biblical Genesis.

How do you pronounce Genesee?

It is said jen-uh-SEE /ˌdʒɛn.əˈsiː/ - three syllables, stress on the last.

Is Genesee a boy or girl name?

Genesee is used as a girl's name.

How popular is Genesee?

It has always been rare, given to only about fifteen girls a year at its peak.

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