Meaning, origin, history
Geneviève is a female given name of French origin. It is derived from the Germanic elements "gōd" meaning "good" and "frū" meaning "peace". Thus, Geneviève means "woman of peace". The name was popularized in France through Saint Geneviève, who was born in Nanterre around 420 AD. She played a significant role in protecting Paris from Attila the Hun's army during her lifetime. As a result, she is considered one of the patrons saints of Paris and has been venerated since the Middle Ages. The name Geneviève has been used throughout history among French nobility and commoners alike. It gained popularity outside of France in the late 19th and early 20th centuries due to its usage in Victor Hugo's novel "Les Misérables". Today, Geneviève remains a popular choice for parents looking for a unique yet timeless name for their daughters. Some notable individuals with this name include French actresses Geneviève Bujold and Geneviève Castrée, as well as Canadian poet Geneviève Taggart.
In numbers
Popularity of the name Genieve since 1880
Total births
536
Total since 1880
Peak year
1915
22 births
in 2008
8
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
0%
→
vs previous 5 years