All about the name

Geneieve

Female

« Genevieve is a French feminine given name derived from Germanic elements, signifying 'warrior race' or 'noble pledge'. »

#15764 since 1900

Meaning, origin, history

Genevieve is a feminine given name of French origin and meaning. The name is derived from the Germanic elements "genos" which means "race" or "kind," and "lewisa" which means "pledge" or "warrior." Therefore, Genevieve can be interpreted as "warrior race" or "noble pledge." The name Genevieve has a long history dating back to medieval France. It was the name of Saint Geneviève (c. 420-512 AD), who was a pagan peasant girl raised in Nanterre, near Paris. According to legend, she had visions and performed miracles as a child, leading her to convert to Christianity at an early age. She became known for her piety and generosity, eventually becoming the patron saint of Paris. In France, Genevieve was popularized during the Middle Ages due to the veneration of Saint Geneviève. The name gained further popularity in other European countries through the spread of French culture and language. Today, Genevieve is still used as a given name for girls, particularly in France, Canada, and English-speaking countries. In some cases, Genevieve may be spelled with one "e" (as Genevieve) or two "e"s (Geneviève). The latter spelling is more common in French-speaking countries. Both spellings are considered acceptable and reflect the name's French origins. Overall, Genevieve is a historic and elegant name with roots in medieval France and a strong association with saintliness and virtue. Its meaning as "warrior race" or "noble pledge" adds to its appeal for parents seeking a name with depth and significance.

In numbers

Popularity of the name Geneieve since 1880

Total births
292
Total since 1880
Peak year
1918
15 births
in 2012
5
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
0%
vs previous 5 years