Genevieve

Genevieve is the English form of French Geneviève, tracing back to the medieval Germanic Genovefa. Its traditional interpretation combines elements for kin or people and woman. The familiar French appearance therefore sits over an older Germanic name history.

Saint Genevieve, the patron saint of Paris, is the name’s best-known historical association. Accounts of her protection of the city belong to the saint’s traditional story. In English, Genevieve is usually said JEN-uh-veev; French Geneviève has a different opening sound and rhythm. Gen or Genny can shorten the English form, while Genoveva and Genoveffa show other forms of the name. Its length gives parents a choice between the full name and a much shorter everyday version.