Geneviève is a female given name of French origin and meaning "tribe woman" or "noble woman". It is derived from the Germanic elements *ganan ("to summon") and *wif (woman). The name has been popular in France since medieval times, often associated with St. Geneviève, the patron saint of Paris who lived in the 5th century AD.
The name Genivieve has a rich history and has been carried by many notable figures throughout the centuries. In French literature, it is famously associated with the character Geneviève de Brabant, a legendary heroine whose story was popularized by the opéra comique "Geneviève de Brabant" composed by Jacques Fromental Halévy in 1859.
The name Genivieve has also been used by several royals and historical figures. One notable example is Geneviève de Gaulle-Anthonioz, niece of Charles de Gaulle, who was a French Resistance fighter during World War II and later became a politician and member of the European Parliament. Another prominent figure bearing this name is Geneviève Bujold, a Canadian actress known for her roles in films such as "Anne of the Thousand Days" and "Comedians".
In terms of popularity, Genivieve has not been among the top ranked names in France or other French-speaking countries in recent years. However, it remains a classic and elegant choice that evokes historical and cultural significance. Its unique spelling and pronunciation may contribute to its distinctive character and appeal to those seeking a name with a touch of sophistication and heritage.
The statistics on the name Genevieve show a varied but steady presence in the United States over the past century.
In the early to mid-20th century, there was an average of about five to six babies named Genevieve each year between 1917 and 1923. After a gap of several decades, the name re-emerged in the late 20th century with six births in 2006. Since then, it has maintained a consistent level of popularity, with five or six babies named Genevieve each year from 2006 to 2018.
Overall, there have been a total of 40 babies named Genevieve in the United States since 1917. This demonstrates that while Genevieve may not be one of the most popular names, it has maintained a steady and consistent presence over time.