The name Genesee, of Native American origin, is derived from the name of a river that flows through New York State. The river was named by French explorers who encountered it, translating its Native American name 'Onyota' to 'Geniest' or 'Genessee', meaning 'big lake'. Over time, the spelling evolved into 'Genesee'. This unique and distinctive name adds a touch of American history and geography to its bearer.
The name Genesee has seen fluctuating popularity over the years, with peaks occurring more recently. Between 1977 and 2023, there were a total of 277 births registered with this name. The highest number of births in any single year was recorded in 2017 with 15 newborns named Genesee.