Genevieve Name Origin
Genevieve comes from old French. It started in France a long time ago. The name likely comes from a Germanic name, meaning "woman of the race" or "tribe woman."
It became popular because of Saint Genevieve. She was a hero in Paris who helped save the city from attacks. People liked her story and started using her name for girls.
Over time, Genevieve spread to other countries, especially English-speaking ones. It sounds fancy and classic, so many parents still choose it today.
- Type: First Name
- Gender: Female
- Pronunciation: zhuh-NEH-veev
Genevieve Meaning
Genevieve is a beautiful name that comes from old French roots. It likely started from the Germanic name "Genovefa," which means "woman of the race" or "tribe woman."
The name combines parts that suggest "family" or "kin" with "woman," showing a connection to heritage and community. It was popularized by Saint Genevieve, who was known for her kindness and bravery.
Because of this, Genevieve often symbolizes protection, faith, and strength. People with this name might be seen as caring and strong-hearted. It's a classic name with a gentle, noble feel.
History
Genevieve is a name that goes back many centuries. It first became known in the early Middle Ages, especially in France. A famous Saint Genevieve helped make the name popular there.
Over time, the name spread to other countries but stayed most common in French-speaking areas. It was used by royalty and common people alike.
In English-speaking countries, Genevieve became more popular in the 19th and 20th centuries. People liked its elegant sound and classic feel.
The spelling and pronunciation have stayed mostly the same, though nicknames like Gen or Vivi have appeared. It remains a beautiful, timeless name today.
Famous People
Genevieve Nnaji is a famous Nigerian actress and filmmaker. She is known for her work in Nollywood, the Nigerian movie industry, and has won many awards for her acting.
Genevieve Bujold is a Canadian actress. She became well-known for her role as Anne Boleyn in the movie "Anne of the Thousand Days," which earned her a lot of praise.
Genevieve Cortese is an American actress. She starred in TV shows like "Supernatural" and "Wildfire," gaining fans for her strong performances.
These women named Genevieve have made their mark in movies and television, showing talent and creativity.
Name Trends
This chart shows how many babies were given the name Genevieve each year, based on data from the U.S. Government's Social Security Administration (SSA). It's a fun way to see how the name's popularity has changed over time!
The blue line shows how many boys were named Genevieve, while the pink line shows how many girls were given the same name.
If the lines go up, that means more babies got the name that year. If they go down, the name was used less. You can spot trends, like when the name became really popular or started to fade.