The name Genie is of French origin and it means "genius" or "mischievous." It was popularized by the Disney movie Aladdin, where the character Genie was a blue-skinned creature that granted wishes to the protagonist Aladdin. However, the name has been used in literature and culture long before the movie's release. In French literature, there is a play called "Le Malade Imaginaire" by Molière which features a character named Genièvre who is known for her wit and intelligence. The name Genie may also have roots in the Arabic word "jinni" which refers to supernatural creatures or spirits. Throughout history, the name has been associated with creativity, intellect, and mischief.
The name Genie has seen a varied trend in popularity over the years in the United States. Between 1880 and 1920, there were fluctuations in the number of babies named Genie each year, ranging from a low of 5 births in 1880 to a high of 20 births in 1917.
From 1921 to 1969, the name Genie experienced some popularity, with an average of about 15-30 births per year. The highest point during this period was in 1957, with 50 births.
However, from 1970 onwards, the name Genie began to lose its popularity. The number of babies named Genie each year decreased significantly, reaching a low of only 5 births in recent years such as 2020 and 2023.
Overall, from 1880 to 2023, there have been a total of 2726 babies named Genie born in the United States. Despite its peak popularity in the mid-20th century, the name Genie has become relatively uncommon in recent years.