Find out how popular the first name Genny has been for the last 40 years (from 1974 to 2013) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Genny by gender

Based on the last 40 years of data, Genny is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2013, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Genny.

The history of the first name Genny

The given name Genny is a diminutive form of the name Jennie, which is itself a pet form of the name Jennifer. The name Jennifer originates from the Cornish language and is derived from the Welsh name Gwenhwyfar, which means "white wave" or "fair and smooth." This name has its roots in the ancient Celtic culture of Cornwall and Wales.

The name Genny can be traced back to the Middle Ages when the name Jennifer first appeared in written records. One of the earliest known bearers of the name was Gwenhwyfar, the wife of King Arthur in Arthurian legends. These legends, which date back to the 12th century, depict her as a beautiful and noble queen, lending the name a sense of grace and elegance.

In the 16th century, the name Jennifer emerged as a variant of Gwenhwyfar and became popular among the English gentry. It was during this time that the shortened form Jennie and its diminutive Genny likely began to appear. One notable historical figure bearing the name Genny was Genny Baddeley (1573-1626), an English courtier and mistress of Robert Devereux, 2nd Earl of Essex.

As the name Jennifer gained popularity in the 17th and 18th centuries, so too did its diminutive forms. Genny Radcliffe (1677-1735) was an English actress and singer who performed on the London stage during the Restoration period. Another notable Genny was Genny Malvasia (1715-1789), an Italian botanist and naturalist known for her contributions to the study of plant life in the Mediterranean region.

During the Victorian era, the name Genny became associated with a sense of youthful innocence and charm. Genny Browning (1833-1912) was a British author and poet whose works often explored themes of childhood and nature. Genny Lind (1820-1887), known as the "Swedish Nightingale," was a renowned opera singer celebrated for her pure, crystalline voice and her charitable endeavors.

The 20th century saw the name Genny continue to be used, though not as widely as its parent name Jennifer. Genny Shafer (1914-2008) was an American golfer who won multiple LPGA tournaments and was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame. Genny Eyre (1937-2021) was a British actress and television presenter known for her roles in popular sitcoms and dramas.

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

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

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