Genevieve is a beautiful and unique feminine given name of French origin. It is derived from the Latin word "geneve," which means "tribe woman." This name has a rich history, dating back to the fifth century when it was borne by Saint Genevieve, the patron saint of Paris.
Saint Genevieve was born in Nanterre, France, and is said to have been a visionary who predicted the fall of Rome. She became a nun and devoted her life to helping the poor and sick during times of plague and famine. Her popularity as a saint led to the adoption of her name by families throughout Europe.
In literature, Genevieve also appears in the works of several notable authors. In William Shakespeare's play "Love's Labour's Lost," there is a character named Genevieve who serves as a lady-in-waiting to the Princess of France. Additionally, French poet and critic Sainte-Beuve wrote a collection of stories called "Geneviève de Brabant," which tells the tale of a virtuous wife who is falsely accused of adultery.
Today, Genevieve continues to be a popular choice for parents looking for a distinctive name with a strong historical background. It has a classic yet modern sound that makes it appealing to many. Although it may not be as commonly used as some other French names, such as Marie or Sophie, Genevieve remains a beautiful and meaningful option for those who wish to honor its rich history and cultural significance.
Based on the provided statistics, the name Genevieve has seen a significant increase in popularity over time in the United States.
Starting from just 59 births in 1880, the number of babies named Genevieve steadily increased throughout the late 19th century and early 20th century. By 1914, there were over 2250 births with the name Genevieve, marking a significant increase from previous years.
The peak of popularity for the name Genevieve occurred in recent years. From 2002 onwards, the number of births has consistently been above 700 each year, reaching an all-time high of 1837 births in 2021. This indicates that the name Genevieve remains popular today and is likely to continue being so in the future.
In total, from 1880 to 2023, there have been over 121,000 babies named Genevieve born in the United States. This statistic underscores the enduring appeal of this name across generations.
Overall, these statistics demonstrate that while Genevieve has experienced periods of fluctuating popularity throughout history, it has remained a consistently chosen name for newborn girls in the United States.