"tribe woman; woman of the people"
Origin: Germanic
Language: French
Genevieve
Pronunciation: [ j-EHN-uhv-eev ]
Girl Name
#165 Most Popular
Rising
4 Syllables
Patron saint of Paris, timeless Gallic grace
French
English
American
Belgian
Elegant
Vintage
Sophisticated
Classic
Meaning & Origin
"race of women"
Origin: Old Germanic (Genovefa)
Language: Germanic
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.
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
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
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
Common Nicknames
Genny
Gen
Viv
Evie
Neve
Pairs Well With
Genevieve Rose
Genevieve Claire
Genevieve Louise
Genevieve Marie
Genevieve Anne
Genevieve Grace
Genevieve Elise
Sibling Names
Also a Boy Name
Genevieve is also used as a boy name, ranked #23363.
View Genevieve as a boy name →Similar Names
Same Origin Names (French)
Playground Safety
Kid-Friendly
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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.
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.