Find out how popular the first name Geniva has been for the last 47 years (from 1978 to 2024) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Geniva by gender

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

For the most recent data in 2024, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Geniva.

The history of the first name Geniva

The name Geniva is a relatively uncommon given name with roots tracing back to ancient Greece. It is believed to be derived from the Greek word "genos," which means "race" or "lineage." The name may have been used in ancient times to signify one's noble or esteemed ancestry.

In its earliest recorded usage, Geniva appears in several ancient Greek texts and historical records from the 5th century BCE. One notable example is a mention of a woman named Geniva in Herodotus' "Histories," a significant work of ancient Greek literature detailing the Greco-Persian Wars.

Throughout the centuries, Geniva has been borne by a handful of historical figures, though it has never been a widely popular name. One of the earliest known individuals with this name was Geniva of Argos, a Greek philosopher who lived in the 3rd century BCE and was a student of the renowned thinker Epicurus.

In the Middle Ages, Geniva surfaced again as the name of a noblewoman from the Byzantine Empire. Lady Geniva of Constantinople, born in 1102, was a prominent figure at the imperial court and was known for her patronage of the arts and literature.

During the Renaissance, a Italian painter named Geniva Bianchi (1480-1559) gained some recognition for her portraits of noble families in Florence. Her works can still be found in several art galleries across Italy.

Another notable figure was Geniva Alvarado (1620-1698), a Spanish nun and writer who authored several religious texts that were widely circulated in her time. Her work "Contemplaciones Divinas" was particularly influential in Spain and its colonies.

In more recent history, Geniva Thaxton (1892-1970) was an American educator and civil rights activist who advocated for equal opportunities in education and played a significant role in desegregating schools in her home state of Virginia.

While the name Geniva has never achieved widespread popularity, its rich historical roots and connections to various cultures and eras make it a unique and intriguing choice for a given name.

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

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

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