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Home › Baby Names Directory › Geneva

Geneva

♀ Girl

Pronounced juh-NEE-vuh /d͡ʒə.ˈni.və/Medium

Meaning: From the place name Geneva (Latin Genava), from a Celtic root *genu- "bend," referring to the bend of a river or estuary; sometimes popularly linked to French genevrier "juniper."Medium

In 30 seconds: Geneva is a place name, from the city's Latin form Genava, built on a Celtic root meaning 'bend', as in the bend of a river.
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Origin MediumEnglish, Celtic
MeaningFrom the place name Geneva (Latin Genava), from a Celtic root *genu- "bend," referring to the bend of a river or estuary; sometimes popularly linked to French genevrier "juniper."
U.S. rank (2025)#1657 ↘ Falling
2025 U.S. births125 girls (0.01% of U.S. girls)
Peak year1924
Total births (all-time)≈ 88,756

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 192418802025

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

The name comes from the city, whose Latin form Genava rests on a Celtic root for a 'bend', likely the curve of a river or estuary. A popular but separate link ties it to the French 'genevrier', meaning juniper, though that connection is more folk association than true origin. Used as a personal name, Geneva keeps the cool, place-name feel.

Its smooth three-syllable flow gives it an elegant, European air. The actress Geneva Carr, known for the series Bull and a Tony-nominated Broadway role, carries the name today.

Did you know? The meaning usually attached to Geneva is 'origin uncertain', and that core idea is what gives the name most of its long-term appeal.
Overall data confidence 78%
Behind the Name - Geneva — etymology, usage, pronunciation, and related formsU.S. Social Security Administration — 2024 popularity rank and count supplied in the batch input CSV

Variations

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Nicknames

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Famous Bearers

  • ★Geneva Carr (born 1971)
    American actress known for playing Marissa Morgan on the CBS series Bull and for her Tony-nominated role in the Broadway play Hand to God.

If you like Geneva…

Genevieve— A close-sounding French name often associated with Geneva.
Florence— Like Geneva, a place name carried over into personal use.
Geraldine— a similarly popular pick
Ayva— echoes that soft -va sound
Gillian— shares Geneva's English roots

Explore names like Geneva

By themeenglish
By meaningSea / Water

All themes →All meanings →All origins →

Frequently Asked

What does the name Geneva mean?

Geneva is usually explained as meaning 'origin uncertain' and is most often linked with English tradition.

How do you pronounce Geneva?

It's commonly said juh-NEE-vuh /d͡ʒə.ˈni.və/.

Is Geneva a boy or girl name?

In this batch and in recent U.S. usage data, Geneva is used as a girl name.

How popular is Geneva?

In 2024, Geneva ranked #1603 in the U.S. for girls, with 130 births recorded.

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