Geneva Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name Geneva has its roots in Latin, derived from 'Genava', with a possible Celtic origin. It means 'juniper tree' and has evolved through various languages, including Old French and Modern English. While it has no biblical significance, the name gained popularity in the 19th century due to the city's international status. Common variants include Genevieve and Genny, and the name is currently perceived as sophisticated, associated with notable figures in arts and journalism.
The name Geneva is most popular in Kentucky, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the G.I. Generation generation in the South region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Geneva has been stalled for female in MidWest, falling for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for female in West. Across generations, 'Geneva' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 2680th out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 2792nd out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 6502nd out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 8999th out of 10718 names. Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 116th out of 9107 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 164th out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 364th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 631st out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 850th out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 1313th out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 1417th out of 30306 names. Discover how the name 'Geneva' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Geneva"
Pronunciation
/dʒəˈniːvə/
Origin
Latin
Etymology
The name Geneva is derived from the Latin 'Genava', which is thought to be of Celtic origin, possibly from the word 'genu', meaning 'knee', or 'gen', meaning 'to give birth'.
Meaning
juniper tree
Language Evolution
Genava (Latin), Genève (Old French), Geneva (Modern English)
Historical Usage
The name Geneva gained popularity in the 19th century, particularly due to the prominence of the city in Switzerland as a center for diplomacy and international organizations.
Variants & Derivatives
Genevieve, Genny, Gen
Modern Popularity & Image
Today, the name Geneva is often associated with sophistication and is viewed positively, reflecting its status as a global city.
Famous People
Geneva Carr - American actress, Geneva Overholser - American journalist
Explore More Geneva Name Visualizations
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Geneva"
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History of "Geneva"
"Geneva" Popularity Across American Generations
Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
---|---|---|---|
G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 2680th of 7545 | 151 |
Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 2792nd of 6773 | 136 |
Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 6502nd of 7552 | 11 |
Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 8999th of 10718 | 11 |
G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 116th of 9107 | 38,031 |
Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 164th of 9204 | 24,095 |
Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 364th of 12526 | 11,617 |
Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 631st of 19264 | 4,171 |
Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 850th of 27321 | 3,509 |
Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 1313th of 35406 | 2,640 |
Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 1417th of 30306 | 1,917 |
Regional Popularity of "Geneva" by Generation for Male Names
TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
---|---|---|---|---|
G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - |
95.07% 2237th/2353 |
- |
Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
Regional Popularity of "Geneva" by Generation for Female Names
TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
---|---|---|---|---|
G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
9.39% 133rd/1416 |
19.29% 266th/1379 |
2.66% 63rd/2366 |
17.78% 203rd/1142 |
Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
13.52% 209th/1546 |
23.78% 370th/1556 |
4.25% 100th/2353 |
20.36% 315th/1547 |
Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
21.28% 474th/2227 |
26.67% 648th/2430 |
8.80% 251st/2853 |
17.80% 494th/2775 |
Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
23.43% 688th/2937 |
25.15% 876th/3483 |
13.79% 485th/3518 |
16.96% 686th/4044 |
Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
24.29% 895th/3685 |
21.70% 971st/4475 |
15.11% 785th/5194 |
14.07% 889th/6317 |
Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
25.75% 1180th/4582 |
32.51% 1679th/5164 |
20.32% 1486th/7313 |
17.82% 1330th/7463 |
Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
29.59% 1179th/3984 |
37.60% 1687th/4487 |
22.35% 1525th/6822 |
23.85% 1497th/6276 |
State-by-State Popularity of "Geneva"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Geneva" across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.