Declining since 1985, #1,652 for girls today.
Popularity of Geneva since 1880
Babies named Geneva per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 663 |
| 1890s | 1,669 |
| 1900s | 3,861 |
| 1910s | 15,043 |
| 1920s | 23,273 |
| 1930s | 14,279 |
| 1940s | 9,485 |
| 1950s | 6,175 |
| 1960s | 3,350 |
| 1970s | 2,510 |
| 1980s | 2,336 |
| 1990s | 1,974 |
| 2000s | 1,603 |
| 2010s | 1,712 |
| 2020s | 825 |
Meaning & origin
Geneva is a place name that saw its peak usage in the 1920s, reaching its highest rank (1652 in 2025, but historically higher) and peak year in 1924. Though it has been falling in popularity since 1985, it remains a recognizable choice with a gentle, vintage feel. In 2025, it was given to roughly 1 in 12,858 baby girls, and its top states include Wisconsin, Colorado, and Indiana. While never among the most common names, Geneva has maintained a steady presence, appealing to parents who appreciate its geographic ties and soft sound.
Geneva is the English name of the Swiss city Genève, which itself likely comes from a Celtic root meaning 'river bend' (referring to its location on Lake Geneva) or possibly from the tribal name Genava. The name was first used as a given name in the 19th century, possibly influenced by the reputation of Geneva as a peaceful, cosmopolitan city. It has also occasionally been used as a feminine form of Gene or Eugene.
Where Geneva is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Gen, Genny, Neva
Sibling names for Geneva
Names that share Geneva's style, for a brother or sister.
