"tribe woman; woman of the people"
Origin: Germanic
Language: French
Genevieve
Pronunciation: [ j-EHN-uhv-eev ]
Does Genevieve flow with your last name?
Patron saint of Paris, timeless Gallic grace
French
English
American
Belgian
Elegant
Vintage
Sophisticated
Classic
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
Share
Similar Names
Names Like Genevieve
Same sound, same style — different options
Nicknames
Nicknames for Genevieve
5 shorthand options for every setting
Fantasy Names
Genevieve as a Fantasy Character
Human lore, pronunciation, D&D class tips
Meaning & Origin
"race of women"
Origin: Old Germanic (Genovefa)
Language: Germanic
Playground Safety
Kid-Friendly
Similar to Genevieve
See all →What the Genevieve report tells you
$9Personalized to your state, siblings, and priorities. Free playground safety preview included.
Is Genevieve the #1 name in your state, or barely on the radar?
Enter your other kids' names. We score how well they sound together.
Downloadable PDF + nursery art
Everything in one printable report. Frame the name art.
Start with a free preview
Playground safety check is free. Full report is $9.
What do you want to do with this name?
Keep Genevieve
Add it to your shortlist. Not losing this one.
Compare names
Put Genevieve head-to-head with your other picks.
Start comparing →
Nickname ideas
See what Genevieve actually gets called.
Browse nicknames →
What kind of baby name person are you?
3 minutes to find names that fit your style.
Take the Quiz
The Story of Genevieve
Genevieve derives from the Germanic name Genovefa, composed of the elements 'geno' (race, people, tribe) and 'wefa' (woman). The name entered French through the Frankish Germanic settlers of Gaul and became deeply rooted in Parisian identity through Saint Geneviève, the patron saint of Paris. The French form Geneviève has been the standard spelling since the medieval period.
Genevieve has been in the US top 200 since the 2010s, benefiting from the revival of long, elegant Victorian and Edwardian names. Parents seeking a sophisticated alternative to Jennifer or Vivian have turned to Genevieve. Its four syllables and array of nicknames (Gen, Viv, Evie) offer flexibility.
Saint Geneviève (c. 419–512) is the patron saint of Paris, credited with saving the city from Attila the Hun through prayer and leadership. Her basilica on the Left Bank became the Panthéon. The name has been quintessentially French for 1,500 years, though it has found enthusiastic adoption in English-speaking countries.
Historical Record
Genevieve first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 51,412 babies have been named Genevieve in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Genevieve is a steady classic , currently ranked #165 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Saint Geneviève saved Paris from Attila the Hun in 451 AD through her moral leadership and organizing of food supplies
- The Panthéon in Paris was originally built as a church dedicated to Saint Geneviève
- Genevieve has never left the top 1000 in France since records began
Genevieve in Other Languages
French
Geneviève
German
Genoveva
Italian
Genoveffa
Spanish
Genoveva
Japanese
ジュヌヴィエーヴ
Portuguese
Genoveva
Popularity Over Time
#165
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Steady Classic
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Genevieve
G
Genevieve Cortese
Actor
1981
American actress known for the TV series Supernatural
G
Genevieve Bujold
Actor
1942
Canadian actress known for Anne of the Thousand Days and Coma
S
Saint Geneviève
Religious
419
Patron saint of Paris, credited with saving the city from Attila the Hun through prayer and moral leadership
G
Geneviève (Cinderella character) Fictional
Other
Name used in various adaptations for one of Cinderella's stepsisters
Names You Might Also Love
See all →
Juliette
Girl
"Jupiter's child, Jove"
#129
Daisy
Girl
"the daisy flower"
#76
Harper
Girl
"harp player, harper"
#12
Maya
Girl
"great mother, earth goddess"
#51
Jade
Girl
"jade stone, precious green gemstone"
#84
Compare Genevieve with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 4
- Popularity Rank
- #165
- Total SSA Count
- 1,835
- Cultural Origins
- French English American Belgian
- Pronunciation
- Moderate
- Formality
- Formal
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Alternative Spellings
Popular in These States
Top states by rank · 2024
Common Nicknames
Genny
Gen
Viv
Evie
Neve
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
-
Classic pairing, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, balanced 3-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, French heritage match, balanced 3-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Genevieve
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
Premium
Check how Genevieve fits with existing sibling names — style, sound, and origin.
Enter sibling names above to see compatibility.
Also a Boy Name
Genevieve is also used as a boy name, ranked #23363.
View Genevieve as a boy name →Similar Names
See all names like Genevieve →For Parents
amz
Start a baby registry
Free welcome box on Amazon
The Baby Name Wizard
Names that age well — book
Nursery name sign
Personalized wooden letters
We may earn a commission from these links.
Compare Genevieve with...
Same Origin Names (French)
See all French names →Names with Similar Meaning
Names that share meaning themes with Genevieve
Can't decide?
Start a tournament bracket with Genevieve and other names you're considering.
Start a TournamentLike this name?
Check how Genevieve sounds with your surname and test for potential nicknames.
Analyze This NameExplore More Generators
-
🧝
Fantasy Name Generator
Create names for D&D and RPG characters
-
🐾
Pet Name Generator
Find the perfect name for your furry friend
-
🎭
Character Name Generator
Names for fictional characters across genres
Names You Might Also Like
View all →
Juliette
Girl
Latin origin
"Jupiter's child, Jove"
#129 in US
Daisy
Girl
Latin (bellis perennis) origin
"the daisy flower"
#76 in US
Harper
Girl
Old English origin
"harp player, harper"
#12 in US
Maya
Girl
Latin origin
"great mother, earth goddess"
#51 in US
Jade
Girl
Spanish (via French l'ejade) origin
"jade stone, precious green gemstone"
#84 in US
Elaina
Girl
Greek origin
"bright, shining light"
#254 in US
Raya
Girl
Hebrew origin
"friend, companion"
#363 in US
Emery
Girl
Germanic origin
"work-power, industrious leader"
#70 in US
Save Your Name Card
Download a shareable image with Genevieve's meaning, origin, and popularity. Ready for Instagram, Pinterest, or texting to your partner.
Frequently Asked Questions About Genevieve
What does the name Genevieve mean?
"tribe woman; woman of the people" (from Germanic). "race of women" (from Old Germanic (Genovefa)). Genevieve derives from the Germanic name Genovefa, composed of the elements 'geno' (race, people, tribe) and 'wefa' (woman). The name entered French through the Frankish Germanic settlers of Gaul and became deeply rooted in Parisian identity through Saint Geneviève, the patron saint of Paris. The French form Geneviève has been the standard spelling since the medieval period.
What is the origin of the name Genevieve?
Genevieve has Germanic, Old Germanic (Genovefa), French, English, American, and Belgian origins. In Germanic, it means "tribe woman; woman of the people". In Old Germanic (Genovefa), it means "race of women".
Is Genevieve a boy or girl name?
Genevieve is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #165. As a boy name, it is ranked #23363. Genevieve is more commonly used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Genevieve?
Genevieve is pronounced j-EHN-uhv-eev.
How popular is the name Genevieve?
Genevieve is currently ranked #165 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Genevieve?
Common nicknames for Genevieve include Genny, Gen, Viv, Evie, and Neve.
What are good middle names for Genevieve?
Popular middle name pairings include Genevieve Rose, Genevieve Claire, Genevieve Louise, Genevieve Marie, Genevieve Anne, Genevieve Grace, and Genevieve Elise.
What are good sibling names for Genevieve?
Names that pair well with Genevieve as siblings include Sebastian, Vivienne, Theodore, Isabelle, Raphael, and Celestine.
How many syllables does Genevieve have?
Genevieve has 4 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.
Is Genevieve a common or rare name?
Genevieve is a popular name, ranked #165 for girls. It is well-known without being overused.
What girl names are similar to Genevieve?
About the Name Genevieve
Genevieve is a girl name with French, English, American, and Belgian origins . The name means "tribe woman; woman of the people" in Germanic .
Is Genevieve a boy or girl name? Genevieve is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #165 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #23,363. Genevieve is more commonly used as a girl name.
Genevieve is currently ranked #165 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Genevieve has 4 syllables and is pronounced j-EHN-uhv-eev, making it distinctive and memorable.
Common nicknames for Genevieve include Genny, Gen, Viv, Evie, and Neve. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Genevieve include Genesis, Geneva, Genevie . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
Keep Exploring
Germanic Names
Browse all names with this origin
G
Names Starting with G
More girl names like Genevieve
Rising Names
Names gaining popularity right now
Name Personality Quiz
Find names that match your style
Name Swiper
Swipe through names, build a shortlist fast
Browse All Girl Names
Full list with filters and sorting
Recommended for Parents
amz
Start a registry
Free welcome box on Amazon
Baby Name Wizard
Names that actually age well
Nursery name sign
Personalized wooden letters
We may earn a commission from these links.
Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis