Find out how popular the first name Genesee has been for the last 47 years (from 1977 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Genesee by gender

Based on the last 47 years of data, Genesee is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Genesee.

The history of the first name Genesee

The name Genesee is a relatively modern name that originated in the United States. It is derived from the Iroquoian word "gen-nis-hee-yo," which means "beautiful valley" or "shining valley." The name refers to the Genesee River, which flows through western New York State.

The first recorded use of the name Genesee dates back to the late 18th century, when European settlers arrived in the region and encountered the Indigenous Iroquois people. The settlers adopted the name Genesee to refer to the river and the surrounding area, which was known for its fertile lands and stunning natural beauty.

While there are no known historical references to Genesee as a given name in ancient texts or religious scriptures, the name has been used as a first name for both males and females in the United States since the early 19th century. Some of the earliest recorded individuals with the name Genesee include:

1. Genesee Munger (1805-1880), an American politician and lawyer from New York.
2. Genesee Cowing (1822-1907), an American lawyer and judge from New York.
3. Genesee Avery (1836-1915), an American educator and author from Michigan.
4. Genesee Eddy (1848-1926), an American businessman and philanthropist from Illinois.
5. Genesee Fowler (1856-1932), an American artist and illustrator from New York.

As the name Genesee gained popularity in the United States, it was bestowed upon individuals from various walks of life, including artists, writers, politicians, and businesspeople. While not a common name, it has maintained a presence throughout the country, particularly in areas with ties to the Genesee River and the Iroquois culture.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Genesee was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Genesee, please contact us.

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