Genevieve is a unique and captivating female given name of French origin. Derived from the Latin word "genēvensis," which means "from Geneva," this name has a rich historical background tied to the city of Geneva, Switzerland.
The name Genevieve gained prominence during the medieval period due to Saint Genevieve, the patron saint of Paris. Born in Nanterre, France, around 420 AD, Saint Genevieve was known for her piety and miracles. She played a significant role in protecting the city of Paris from invaders and is believed to have halted the plague that struck the city during her time.
The name Genevieve reached its peak popularity in the late 19th century, particularly among French-speaking populations. Today, it continues to be used as a given name, often chosen for its distinctive sound and historical significance. Despite its origins, Genevieve is not limited to French culture and can be found in various countries around the world.
In terms of spelling variations, some common alternatives include Geneviève (with the accent), Genevieveh, Genoveva, and Jenna. Each variation adds a unique touch while retaining the essence of the original name.
Overall, Genevieve is an elegant and distinctive given name with a rich historical background that continues to captivate parents seeking a unique name for their daughters.
The name Genevieve has been a relatively uncommon choice for parents in the United States over the past century, with only sporadic instances of its usage. Between the years 1916 and 2021, there have been a total of 33 births registered with the name Genevieve.
Interestingly, the peak years for this name appear to be the early 20th century, particularly between 1916 and 1926. During these years, there were six instances in 1916, five in both 1917 and 1920, another six in 1921, and once again, five births registered in 1926.
After this initial spike in popularity, the name Genevieve seemed to fade from common usage for several decades. It wasn't until 1961 that another birth was recorded with this name, suggesting a gap of around three and a half decades where it was not widely chosen.
Despite its rarity in recent years, it's important to note that each instance of the name Genevieve represents a unique individual with their own story. Perhaps these statistics will inspire parents to consider this distinctive name for their child, contributing to its potential resurgence in popularity in the future.