Fun Facts About the Name Genavieve
- 848 babies named Genavieve: U.S. records list 848 babies given the name Genavieve from 1880 through 2025.
What Does the Name Genavieve Mean?
Genavieve is a spelling variant of Genevieve, the English form of French Geneviève, which comes from the Latin name Genovefa. The meaning of Genovefa is not securely established. A common conventional gloss is 'white wave' or 'fair wave,' sometimes attributed to Celtic roots, but this is a traditional interpretation rather than a documented literal translation. Other accounts treat the name as Germanic, though the proposed elements vary. No single etymology is generally accepted.
Genavieve Name History & Origins
The name is associated chiefly with Saint Genevieve, a 5th-century woman from Nanterre who became patron saint of Paris. According to traditional accounts, she was consecrated as a young woman and, when the Huns threatened Paris in 451, urged the city's people to pray rather than flee; the city was spared. Her cult was centered in Paris, where she is still the patron saint.
Genovefa is the Latin form behind the French name; Geneviève is the standard modern French spelling. English speakers have used Genevieve, and Genavieve is an English-language respelling that changes the unstressed second syllable and drops the French accent. It is not the standard French form.
How Popular is the Name Genavieve?
Genavieve has historically been an exceptionally rare given name in the United States, remaining well outside the national mainstream. It saw its highest recorded annual births in 2011. Its best rank was #3,322 in 2011.
U.S. name popularity from 1880-2025, based on SSA data. Rank shows how the name compares with other names - lower numbers mean greater popularity. Births shows how many babies received the name each year.
| Year | Rank | Births | % |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | #13,782 | 6 | 0.0004% |
| 2024 | #6,452 | 18 | 0.0011% |
| 2023 | #7,769 | 14 | 0.0009% |
| 2022 | #8,202 | 13 | 0.0008% |
| 2021 | #7,384 | 15 | 0.0009% |
| 2020 | #5,538 | 22 | 0.0014% |
| 2019 | #6,518 | 18 | 0.0011% |
| 2018 | #8,803 | 12 | 0.0007% |
| 2017 | #5,724 | 22 | 0.0013% |
| 2016 | #4,565 | 31 | 0.0017% |
| 2015 | #5,352 | 25 | 0.0014% |
| 2014 | #3,951 | 38 | 0.0021% |
| 2013 | #4,804 | 29 | 0.0017% |
| 2012 | #5,301 | 26 | 0.0015% |
| 2011 | #3,322 | 49 | 0.0028% |
| 2010 | #4,135 | 36 | 0.0020% |
| 2009 | #3,820 | 41 | 0.0022% |
| 2008 | #3,886 | 41 | 0.0022% |
| 2007 | #3,810 | 42 | 0.0022% |
| 2006 | #3,750 | 41 | 0.0022% |
| 2005 | #3,421 | 44 | 0.0024% |
| 2004 | #3,516 | 42 | 0.0023% |
| 2003 | #4,136 | 32 | 0.0018% |
| 2002 | #3,755 | 35 | 0.0019% |
| 2001 | #5,251 | 22 | 0.0012% |
| 2000 | #5,552 | 20 | 0.0011% |
| 1999 | #5,092 | 21 | 0.0012% |
| 1998 | #6,834 | 14 | 0.0008% |
| 1997 | #14,502 | 5 | 0.0003% |
| 1996 | #9,050 | 9 | 0.0005% |
| 1995 | #9,885 | 8 | 0.0005% |
| 1994 | #9,076 | 9 | 0.0005% |
| 1993 | #8,970 | 9 | 0.0005% |
| 1992 | #8,284 | 10 | 0.0005% |
| 1991 | #13,891 | 5 | 0.0003% |
| 1988 | #10,802 | 6 | 0.0003% |
| 1987 | #10,284 | 6 | 0.0003% |
| 1985 | #8,637 | 7 | 0.0004% |
| 1984 | #10,951 | 5 | 0.0003% |
Name popularity over more than a century, based on Social Security Administration data. Gaps in the chart indicate years when the name does not appear in the published records.
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How the Name Genavieve Shapes Your Personality and Life?
You are introspective, prophetic, philosophical, and soul searching, but also can be analytical, critical and opinionated. You think deeply and clearly, have an air of mystery, can be solitary and secretive. You have an eventful, exciting life. You are versatile and have the ability to learn easily.
You desire to inspire and lead, to control other's affairs. You are giving, courageous and bold, action oriented,energetic and strong willed. You want to make a difference in the world, and this attitude often attracts you to cultural interests, politics, social issues, and the cultivation of your creative talents.
✦ Genavieve's Deeper Meaning & Tips for Parents Discover Genavieve's symbolic numbers and practical tips for choosing a name that complements your child's birth date.