The name Genevieve is of French origin and has a rich history dating back to the Middle Ages. It is derived from the Germanic elements "gund" meaning "war" and "baldo" or "baldwin" meaning "bold, brave". Therefore, the name Genevieve translates to "bold in war".
The name gained popularity through the legend of Saint Genevieve, a French nun who lived during the fifth century. According to the story, she was born into a noble family but decided to dedicate her life to God at a young age. During her lifetime, she performed many miracles and helped protect her city, Paris, from invading barbarians. Her bravery and devotion earned her the title of patron saint of Paris.
The name Genevieve became particularly popular during the Middle Ages in France. It was often used for girls born into noble families as a way to honor Saint Genevieve's courage and virtue. Over time, the name spread beyond French borders and can now be found in various countries around the world.
In terms of its popularity, Genevieve has experienced peaks and valleys over the centuries. Although it was quite common in medieval France, its use declined during the Renaissance period. However, there were revivals of the name in the 19th century and again in recent decades. Today, Genevieve remains a timeless and elegant choice for parents seeking a unique yet meaningful name for their daughter.
In summary, Genevieve is a name with deep roots in French history and culture. Derived from Germanic elements meaning "bold in war", it gained popularity through the legend of Saint Genevieve, a brave and devoted nun who protected her city from invading forces. Although its usage has fluctuated over time, Genevieve continues to be an appealing choice for parents looking for a distinctive and significant name for their daughter.
Based on the statistical data provided regarding the given name Genevie in the United States from 1907 to 2023, we can observe several trends over time.
Initially, the number of births with the name Genevie was relatively low, ranging from 6 to 18 births per year between 1907 and 1927. However, there was a notable increase in the late 1920s and early 1930s, with as many as 42 births recorded in 1923.
After reaching this peak, the popularity of the name Genevie began to decline steadily throughout the 1930s, with fewer than 25 births per year between 1934 and 1946. This downward trend continued until the late 1970s, with only single-digit numbers of births recorded annually from 1952 to 1978.
However, starting in the early 1980s, there was a resurgence in the popularity of the name Genevie. Between 1980 and 1994, there were at least 10 births per year, with peaks of 26 births in 1986 and 17 births in 1993.
In the 21st century, the popularity of the name Genevie has continued to fluctuate but generally remains higher than in the mid-to-late 20th century. Between 2000 and 2023, there were at least 21 births per year, with peaks of 42 births in 2019 and 41 births in 2022.
Overall, while the name Genevie has not been one of the most popular choices for parents in the United States over the past century, it has maintained a consistent, if sometimes fluctuating, presence. As of 2023, the total number of births with the name Genevie stands at 1953.