Charlotte Girl
SHAHR-luht
“free man” · French
#2
Genevive
GirlFrench· “variant of Genevieve”
- Meaning
- variant of Genevieve (origin disputed)
- Origin
- French
- Pronunciation
- JEHN-uh-veev
- Syllables
- 3
- US rank 2025
- #11,267
- US babies 2025
- 8
- Best rank
- #1,335 (1923)
- Peak year
- 1923
Meaning and origin of Genevive
Genevive is often said to mean “variant of Genevieve”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to French roots.
Genevive is a simplified spelling of Genevieve, the name of the patron saint of Paris, who is said to have protected the city in the fifth century. The origin of Genevieve is uncertain. It is thought to come from a Gaulish or Germanic name, possibly containing elements meaning tribe or kin and woman, but the details are debated. The name spread through French Catholic tradition and has long been admired in English for its elegance. Gen, Genna and Evie are possible short forms. Genevive is said JEHN-uh-veev.
Popularity over time
Genevive first appears in US Social Security records in 1892. It has never ranked in the national top 1,000, which keeps it genuinely uncommon. Its best national rank was #1,335 in 1923, the same year it reached its highest count of 35 babies. In 2025, 8 babies were named Genevive, and it ranked #11,267 nationally. That is 33% more than ten years earlier, so it is clearly on the rise.
Its national rank moved from #1,773 in 1920, #5,575 in 1950, #6,598 in 2000, #7,646 in 2010, and #11,267 in 2025. Of the 1,077 US girls named Genevive since records began, 22% were born in the 1920s, its biggest decade. The 1910s come next, with 172 babies. Since 2010, 104 more have been named Genevive.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Odilia, Meriam, Otelia, Tilda, and Everlena.
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Genevive is usually pronounced JEHN-uh-veev, with three syllables. It has eight letters, starts with G and ends in “-ve”.
Middle names for Genevive
A few middle names that flow with Genevive: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Genevive
Similar names
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Lists that include Genevive
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Genevive mean?
Genevive is often said to mean “variant of Genevieve”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to French roots.
What is the origin of the name Genevive?
Genevive has French roots. Genevive is a simplified spelling of Genevieve, the name of the patron saint of Paris, who is said to have protected the city in the fifth century.
Is Genevive a popular name?
Not especially. Genevive ranked #11,267 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Genevive a boy or girl name?
Genevive is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Genevive?
Genevive is usually pronounced JEHN-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