Skip Ancestry navigation Skip to Footer Ancestry Home
  • Home
  • Trees
  • Search
  • Memories
  • DNA
  • Subscribe
  • Cart
  • Sign In
Home
Loading

Trees you own

    Shared with you

      Tree tools

      • My Trees
      • First Name Meanings
      • Last Name Meanings
      • Individual Records Search
      • Family Trees Support
      • Start a New Tree
      • Upload a GEDCOM
      Loading
      • Search All Records
      • Census & Electoral Rolls
      • Birth, Marriage & Death, including Parish
      • Military
      • Wills & Probate
      • Immigration & Travel
      • Schools, Directories & Church Histories
      • Public Member Trees
      • Card Catalogue
      • Member Search
      Memories
      Loading
      • Register a kit
      • AncestryDNA® Learning Hub
      • Traits Learning Hub
      • AncestryDNA®
      • AncestryDNA® Support
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      Discover More Family Names with an Ancestry 14-day Free Trial* 
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Blog
      • About Us
      • Site Map
      • Gift Memberships
      • Careers
        • Ancestry Corporate
        • Fold3.com
        • ForcesWarRecords.com
        • Geneanet.org
        • Newspapers.com
        • ProGenealogists.com
        • RootsWeb.com
      • © 2002-2026 Ancestry
      • Privacy
      • Cookies
      • Terms and Conditions
      • Operated by Ancestry Ireland Unlimited Company
      Group of people

      Meaning of the first name Genivieve

      Origin

      French

      Meaning

      Woman of the Race or Tribe

      Variations

      Genevieve, Jenivieve, Genavieve
      The name Genevieve, of French origin, translates to woman of the race or woman of the tribe. It is derived from the Old French name Genèvieve, which is believed to have roots in the Germanic elements geniw meaning family or kin, and wēh meaning woman or wife. The name conveys a sense of connection to heritage and community, highlighting a bond to one's lineage and ancestry.

      Genevieve has a rich historical background, particularly in Christian tradition. The name is most famously associated with Saint Genevieve, the patron saint of Paris, who lived in the 5th century. She is credited with inspiring the citizens of Paris to resist the siege of Attila the Hun and is revered for her piety and virtue. Throughout history, the name has been borne by various notable figures, including writers, artists, and royalty, which has helped to cement its prominence in European culture.

      In contemporary society, the name Genevieve remains both popular and versatile, often abbreviated to nicknames such as Gen or Viv. It has retained its elegance and appeal across various cultures, appearing in literature, film, and even modern fashion. The name is frequently chosen for children, symbolizing not only aesthetic beauty but also a connection to historical significance and cultural heritage. Its enduring presence reflects its classic charm, making it a favored choice for parents seeking a traditional yet distinctive name.

      Based on our records...

      Baker

      Baker

      This is the most common surname associated with Genivieve.
      Frank

      Frank

      This is the most common name of those married to a Genivieve.
      John

      John

      This is the most common name for a child of a Genivieve.
      Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. - © Mapbox - © OpenStreetMap - Improve this map

      What are you curious about?

      Ready to learn more about your own family? Here are two ways to begin.
      Start a free trial
      Order AncestryDNA
      calendar.webp
      Based on our records...

      Did you know?

      1916 is when there were the most people born with the first name Genivieve.

      Explore the origins of another name.