Find out how popular the first name Genevive has been for the last 48 years (from 1976 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Genevive by gender

Based on the last 48 years of data, Genevive 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 Genevive.

The history of the first name Genevive

The name Genevieve is of French origin, derived from the Germanic word "Genovefa" or "Kenowefa," which means "tribal woman" or "woman of the race." Its roots can be traced back to the 5th century in the Frankish territories of ancient Gaul, modern-day France.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Genevieve can be found in the life of Saint Genevieve, the patron saint of Paris, who lived from around 419 to 512 AD. She is celebrated for her courage and devotion during the Siege of Paris by the Huns, where legend has it that she persuaded the people to remain in the city and pray, leading to the retreat of the invading forces.

In the Middle Ages, the name Genevieve gained popularity across Europe, particularly in France and England. Notable figures bearing this name include Genevieve of Brabant (c. 1130-1183), a duchess of Brabant and the subject of a medieval romance; and Genevieve de Gaulle (1920-1963), the wife of French President Charles de Gaulle.

During the Renaissance period, the name continued to be widely used, with Genevieve Brossart de Meré (1543-1625), a French noblewoman and writer, being one of the most prominent figures of the time. In the 17th century, Genevieve Feuillette (1663-1736), a French midwife and author, made significant contributions to the field of obstetrics.

The 19th century saw the name Genevieve gain traction in the English-speaking world, with notable figures such as Genevieve Ward (1837-1924), an American actress and playwright, and Genevieve Haxton (1859-1939), an Australian physician and women's rights activist.

As the name traversed different cultures and eras, it underwent various spellings and pronunciations, including Genoveva, Guinevere, and Ginevra, reflecting the linguistic diversity and influences of different regions.

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 Genevive was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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