Emma Girl
EH-muh
“whole, universal” · Germanic
#3
Genesis
GirlGreek· “origin, birth”
- Meaning
- origin, birth
- Origin
- Greek
- Pronunciation
- JEN-uh-sis
- Syllables
- 3
- US rank 2025
- #66
- US babies 2025
- 3,527
- Best rank
- #55 (2013)
- Peak year
- 2016
Meaning and origin of Genesis
Genesis is a Greek name that means “origin, birth”.
Genesis is the Greek word for origin or birth, from the root gignesthai, to come into being. It is best known as the title of the first book of the Bible, which tells of the creation of the world and the early patriarchs. As a given name it is a modern choice, especially popular in the United States and in Spanish-speaking communities. It suggests new beginnings, which makes it attractive for a first child. The name is distinctive yet easy to spell and pronounce. Gen and Nessa are possible nicknames.
Popularity over time
Genesis first appears in US Social Security records in 1964. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 38 different years, starting in 1988. Its best national rank was #55 in 2013, and the most babies received it in 2016, when 4,351 were named Genesis. In 2025, 3,527 babies were named Genesis, and it ranked #66 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #2,050 in 1980, #247 in 2000, #89 in 2010, and #66 in 2025. Of the 93,578 US girls named Genesis since records began, 43% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2020s come next, with 21,524 babies.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Kennedy, Piper, Adeline, Kinsley, and Paisley.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Genesis ranked highest in Texas, Maryland, and Nevada.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Texas | #26 | 626 |
| Maryland | #29 | 95 |
| Nevada | #38 | 42 |
| Delaware | #38 | 14 |
| California | #39 | 569 |
Gender, sound and spelling
About 96% of US babies named Genesis over the last 20 years were girls, with a small share of boys.
Genesis is usually pronounced JEN-uh-sis, with three syllables. It has seven letters, starts with G and ends in “-is”.
Middle names for Genesis
A few middle names that flow with Genesis: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Genesis
Similar names
Alexis Unisex
uh-LEHK-sihs
“helper, defender” · Greek
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JEH-nuh-sihs
“variant of Genesis, 'origin, birth'” · American (modern coinage)
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Damaris Girl
duh-MAR-ihs
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Artemis Unisex
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Iris Girl
EYE-ris
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Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
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Sofia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
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Elena Girl
eh-LAY-nuh
“form of Helen; meaning uncertain” · Greek
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Lydia Girl
LIH-dee-uh
“woman from Lydia” · Greek
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Melody Girl
MEH-luh-dee
“song” · Greek
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Paris Girl
PEHR-ihs
“from the French city; Trojan prince” · French
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Memphis Unisex
MEHM-fuhs
“enduring and beautiful” · Egyptian
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Lists that include Genesis
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Genesis mean?
Genesis is a Greek name that means “origin, birth”.
What is the origin of the name Genesis?
Genesis has Greek roots. Genesis is the Greek word for origin or birth, from the root gignesthai, to come into being.
Is Genesis a popular name?
Yes. Genesis ranked #66 in the US in 2025, which makes it one of the 100 most popular names.
Is Genesis a boy or girl name?
Genesis is mainly a girl's name. About 96% of US babies named Genesis over the last 20 years were girls, with a small share of boys.
How do you pronounce Genesis?
Genesis is usually pronounced JEN-uh-sis. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings