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Genevieve Name Meaning & Details

Origin, Popularity, Numerology Analysis & Name Meaning of Genevieve

Discover the origin, meaning, and cultural significance of the name GENEVIEVE. Delve into its historical roots and explore the lasting impact it has had on communities and traditions.

Name

Genevieve

Gender

Female

Origin

German

Lucky Number

4

Meaning of the Name

Genevieve is a name of Germanic origin, possibly derived from 'geno' (race, tribe) and 'wefa' (woman), meaning 'woman of the people' or 'tribe woman'. It is also associated with Saint Geneviève, the patron saint of Paris, symbolizing protection and devotion.

Stages of a Female

Complete Numerology Analysis

Your Numerology Number

4

Based on Pythagorean Numerology System

Ruling Planet

Uranus (Rahu)

Positive Nature

Strong sense of order, loyal, practical, and disciplined.

Negative Traits

Stubborn, overly serious, rigid, and prone to feeling restricted.

Lucky Colours

Blue, gray.

Lucky Days

Saturday.

Lucky Stones

Blue sapphire.

Harmony Numbers

1, 7, 8.

Best Suited Professions

Managers, engineers, accountants, organizers.

What People Like About You

Dependability, discipline, practicality.

Famous People Named Genevieve

Saint Genevieve

Patron Saint

Defended Paris against Attila the Hun, became patron saint of Paris

Genevieve Bujold

Actress

Academy Award nomination for Best Actress in 'Anne of the Thousand Days'

Genevieve Padalecki

Actress/Entrepreneur

Starred in 'Wildfire' and co-founded lifestyle brand 'Now & Gen'

Genevieve Nnaji

Actress/Director

Pioneering Nigerian filmmaker, first Netflix Original from Nigeria

Name Variations & International Equivalents

Genoveva Spanish Ginevra Italian Geneviève French Genovefa Polish Jennifer English Genoveffa Italian

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Cultural & Historical Significance

Genevieve's cultural significance spans centuries, beginning with its most famous bearer, Saint Genevieve of Paris (c. 419-512 AD). As the patron saint of Paris, she became a symbol of French national identity and spiritual protection. According to legend, her prayers and leadership saved Paris from destruction by Attila the Hun in 451 AD, establishing her as a civic heroine. Throughout the Middle Ages, her relics were carried through Paris during times of crisis, and the Church of Saint-Étienne-du-Mont in Paris became a major pilgrimage site dedicated to her. The name spread throughout Europe during the Carolingian Renaissance and became particularly popular in France, where it represented both religious devotion and patriotic pride. During the 19th century, the Romantic movement's fascination with medieval history sparked a revival of the name, cementing its status as a classic with deep historical roots. Today, Genevieve continues to embody a connection to European history while maintaining contemporary appeal through its elegant sound and strong feminine image.

Extended Personality Analysis

The name Genevieve evokes personality traits of sophistication, intelligence, and inner strength. Those bearing this name are often perceived as having a natural elegance and grace that combines with practical wisdom. They tend to be intuitive individuals with deep emotional intelligence, making them excellent listeners and trusted advisors. Genevieves typically demonstrate resilience in facing challenges, drawing on an inner fortitude that recalls their namesake saint's legendary courage. They often possess creative talents and appreciate beauty in various forms, from arts to nature. While they can be traditional in their values, they also show adaptability and open-mindedness when circumstances require change. Their combination of strength and sensitivity makes them effective leaders who inspire loyalty and respect. Many Genevieves develop strong spiritual or philosophical perspectives that guide their decisions and relationships. They typically balance family commitments with personal ambitions, creating well-rounded lives that reflect both their caring nature and their determination to make meaningful contributions to their communities.

Modern Usage & Popularity

In contemporary naming practices, Genevieve has transformed from a somewhat old-fashioned choice to a fashionable classic experiencing steady growth. The name's popularity has been rising consistently since the 1990s, with significant acceleration in the 21st century as parents seek names with historical depth and elegant sounds. In the United States, Genevieve ranked #263 in 2021, representing a substantial increase from its position outside the top 500 in the 1980s. The name enjoys particular popularity among educated, urban parents who appreciate its European flair and literary connections. Modern usage often includes creative nicknames like Gigi, Vivi, or Neve, providing contemporary flexibility while preserving the name's formal beauty. Genevieve's current appeal reflects broader naming trends favoring vintage revivals, French influences, and multi-syllabic feminine names with strong historical pedigrees. Its cross-cultural accessibility and timeless quality suggest continued popularity as a name that bridges tradition and modernity.

Symbolic & Spiritual Meanings

Symbolically, Genevieve represents a powerful convergence of purity and strength, derived from its literal meaning of 'white wave.' The white element symbolizes spiritual clarity, innocence, and divine protection, reflecting the name's saintly associations. The wave component represents the fluid, adaptable nature of water—suggesting emotional depth, intuition, and the ability to navigate life's changes with grace. Together, these elements create a symbolic portrait of resilient elegance: the capacity to maintain one's core values while adapting to circumstances, much like a wave maintains its essential character while constantly reshaping itself. The name also carries symbolic connections to protection and community leadership, drawn from Saint Genevieve's historical role as defender of Paris. Metaphorically, Genevieve represents the idea that true strength incorporates both firmness and flexibility, that spiritual depth enhances practical effectiveness, and that individual character can have profound community impact. These layered symbolic meanings make the name a rich choice that suggests both personal integrity and social contribution.

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