Geneva is a unisex name of Latin origin, derived from the city of Geneva in Switzerland. The city's name is believed to have come from the Celtic word "Genava," which means "water" or "lake." Therefore, the name Geneva itself signifies water or lake.
The city of Geneva has a rich history dating back to the Stone Age. It was first settled by Celtic tribes before being conquered by the Romans in the 1st century BC. After the fall of the Roman Empire, it became part of the Burgundian Kingdom and later passed under Frankish rule. In the 15th century, Geneva became a independent republic until it was annexed by France in 1814.
The name Geneva began to gain popularity as a given name during the Puritan era in England in the late 16th and early 17th centuries. It was often used for girls but also occasionally given to boys. Today, Geneva is still considered a classic and elegant name for both sexes.
In literature and popular culture, some notable figures named Geneva include Geneva Carr, an American actress known for her role in the Broadway musical "Hedwig and the Angry Inch," and Geneva Thomas, a fictional character from the television series "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.
The name Geneve has been used in the United States for over a century, with the first recorded birth occurring in 1893. Since then, there have been a total of 494 births registered as Geneve across the country.
Throughout the early 20th century, the popularity of the name Geneve fluctuated. It peaked during World War I, with 17 births recorded in 1916 and 13 births in 1919. This trend continued into the Roaring Twenties, with several years seeing double-digit figures for newborn girls named Geneve.
However, after the Great Depression began in the 1930s, the number of babies named Geneve decreased significantly. Between 1934 and 1947, there were only five years where more than five births were recorded. This low point is notable, as it marked a stark contrast to the previous decades.
Interest in the name Geneve appeared to resurface in the late 1960s and early 1970s, with nine births recorded in 1970 and eight births in both 1974 and 1976. This trend continued into the 1980s, with a notable spike of eight births occurring as recently as 2002.
More recently, between 2013 and 2021, there were five births each year for girls named Geneve. This indicates that while the name may not be currently trending among popular baby names in the United States, it continues to be chosen by parents who appreciate its unique sound and history.
In summary, while the popularity of the name Geneve has waxed and waned over the years, it remains a recognizable and enduring choice for parents seeking a distinctive name for their daughters.