Gender Feminine
Usage French
Pronounced Pron. /ʒə.nə.vjɛv/, /ʒən.vjɛv/  [key·simplify]

Meaning & History

From the medieval name Genovefa, which is of uncertain origin. It could be derived from the Germanic elements *kunją "clan, family, lineage" and *wībą "wife, woman". Alternatively it could be of Gaulish origin, from the related Celtic element *genos "kin, family" combined with a second element of unknown meaning. This name was borne by Saint Geneviève, the patron saint of Paris, who inspired the city to resist the Huns in the 5th century.

Related Names

Rootskunją + wībą
DiminutiveGinette
Other Languages & CulturesGenoveva(Catalan) Genevieve(English) Genoveffa(Italian) Genovaitė, Genė(Lithuanian) Genovefa(Old Germanic) Genowefa(Polish) Genoveva, Veva(Portuguese) Genoveva, Veva(Spanish)
Same SpellingGenevieve

Popularity

People think this name is

classic   mature   formal   upper class   natural   wholesome   refined   strange   complex   serious  

Name Days

France: January 3

Images

Depiction of Saint GenevièveDepiction of Saint Geneviève

Categories

Entry updated December 7, 2022