Origin and Meaning of Genivieve

Meaning & Origin

Woman of the race; tribe woman

Origin: French - Derived from the Old French name Geneviève, which is believed to come from a Germanic root meaning 'woman' or 'tribe.'

Interesting Facts

  • Genivieve is often associated with Saint Geneviève, the patron saint of Paris, who is known for her role in protecting the city from invasions in the 5th century.
  • The name has variations in different cultures, including Geneviève in French, Guinevere in Arthurian legends, and Ginevra in Italian.
  • Notable bearers of the name include Genivieve Gorder, an American interior designer and television personality, and several fictional characters in literature and television.
  • Genivieve saw fluctuating popularity in the United States but has been more commonly seen as a variant of Genevieve, which has remained relatively popular.
  • Related names include Genevieve, Jen, and even the nickname Ginny.