Charlotte Girl
SHAHR-luht
“free man” · French
#2
Genevieve
GirlFrench, Germanic· “uncertain; possibly 'woman of the tribe'”
- Meaning
- uncertain; possibly 'woman of the tribe' (origin disputed)
- Origin
- French, Germanic
- Pronunciation
- JEN-uh-veev
- Syllables
- 3
- US rank 2025
- #148
- US babies 2025
- 1,981
- Best rank
- #76 (1914)
- Peak year
- 1918
Meaning and origin of Genevieve
Genevieve is often said to mean “uncertain; possibly 'woman of the tribe'”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to French and Germanic roots.
Genevieve is the English form of the French Geneviève. Its origin is uncertain; it may combine a Germanic or Celtic word for family or tribe with a word for woman. Saint Genevieve is the patron saint of Paris and is credited with protecting the city during an invasion by the Huns. The name has long been admired in France and has recently returned to favor in English-speaking countries. It feels elegant and romantic, with nicknames like Genny, Evie and Viv.
Popularity over time
Genevieve has been given to babies in the United States since at least 1880, the first year of Social Security records. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 146 different years. Its best national rank was #76 in 1914, and the most babies received it in 1918, when 3,304 were named Genevieve. In 2025, 1,981 babies were named Genevieve, and it ranked #148 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #86 in 1920, #406 in 1950, #424 in 1980, #510 in 2000, #278 in 2010, and #148 in 2025. Of the 125,131 US girls named Genevieve since records began, 20% were born in the 1920s, its biggest decade. The 1910s come next, with 22,830 babies. Since 2010, 26,525 more have been named Genevieve.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Leona, Lillie, Marguerite, Jennie, and Lena.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Genevieve ranked highest in Alaska, District of Columbia, and Hawaii.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Alaska | #41 | 11 |
| District of Columbia | #71 | 10 |
| Hawaii | #73 | 10 |
| Vermont | #80 | 5 |
| Iowa | #82 | 35 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Genevieve is usually pronounced JEN-uh-veev, with three syllables. It has nine letters, starts with G and ends in “-ve”.
Middle names for Genevieve
A few middle names that flow with Genevieve: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Genevieve
Similar names
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Lists that include Genevieve
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Genevieve mean?
Genevieve is often said to mean “uncertain; possibly 'woman of the tribe'”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to French and Germanic roots.
What is the origin of the name Genevieve?
Genevieve has French and Germanic roots. Genevieve is the English form of the French Geneviève.
Is Genevieve a popular name?
Yes. Genevieve ranked #148 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Genevieve a boy or girl name?
Genevieve is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Genevieve?
Genevieve is usually pronounced JEN-uh-veev. 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