Genoveva is a unique and elegant female given name of Italian origin. It comes from the Latin name "Genoviefa," which was derived from the city of Genoa in Italy, known as "Genova" in Italian. The name has been associated with several prominent figures throughout history.
One notable historical figure named Genoveva was Saint Genoveva, also known as Geneviève of Paris, who lived during the 5th century. She was a Christian martyr who played a significant role in defending the city of Paris against invading Huns and later became its patron saint. Her bravery and dedication have contributed to the enduring popularity of the name Genoveva.
In literature, the name Genoveva has been used by several renowned authors. In Goethe's tragic play "Genoveva," the protagonist is a virtuous woman who is falsely accused of adultery. The play explores themes of loyalty, faith, and redemption. Another notable appearance of the name is in Gustavo Adolfo Bécquer's collection of short stories, "Leyendas," where Genoveva is one of the main characters.
Today, Genoveva remains a distinctive and powerful name choice for parents seeking an uncommon yet meaningful name for their daughters. Its Italian origins add a touch of elegance and sophistication, while its historical significance lends it a sense of gravitas. Despite not being as widely used as some other names, those who bear the name Genoveva carry with them a rich history and a unique identity.
Based on the statistics provided, the name Genoveva has seen a varied trend in its popularity over time in the United States.
The earliest data available is from 1885, showing that there were 6 births with the name Genoveva. Over the next few decades, the number of births with this name fluctuated between 5 and 19 per year, peaking at 25 births in 1918. This trend continued until the mid-20th century.
However, starting from the late 1960s to early 1970s, there was a notable decrease in the number of babies named Genoveva. The highest figure during this period was 35 births in 1969, while in other years it ranged between 14 and 26 births.
This downward trend continued into the late 20th century and early 21st century, with the number of births with the name Genoveva ranging from a low of 5 births in several years (including 2010 and 2022) to a high of 19 births in 2004. The most recent data available shows that there were 9 births with this name in 2023.
Overall, while the name Genoveva has seen periods of increased popularity over time, it appears to have become less common in recent decades, particularly since the 1960s. Despite this decline, it is clear from the statistics that Genoveva remains a unique and distinctive name choice for parents in the United States.