MallowbyNames

Geniva

JEH-nih-vuh · Of uncertain origin; possibly a variant of Geneva, which may derive from the name of the Swiss city or from the Latin Genava, of uncertain meaning.

Peak popularity
1928
Usually for
Girls
Trend
Rising since 2022

A 1920s favorite, climbing again.

Popularity of Geniva since 1915

Babies named Geniva per year in U.S. Social Security records.

3710192019602000Most births 1923Girls
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirls
1910s12
1920s66
1930s39
1940s29
1950s0
1960s0
1970s5
1980s25
1990s17
2000s5
2010s0
2020s5

Meaning & origin

Geniva is a rare and distinctive name that first appeared in U.S. records in 1915. Its peak popularity occurred in 1928, after which usage declined sharply. The name has not ranked among the top thousand names in any year, making it an uncommon choice. In recent years, Geniva has seen a revival, rising in popularity since 2022. The name is primarily used for girls and is often considered a variant of Geneva. With no top states of concentration, its usage is scattered, adding to its unique appeal.

Geniva is a rare variant of the name Geneva, which itself may be a place name taken from the city in Switzerland. The name Geneva is sometimes considered a feminine form of Gene or a variant of Guinevere, though these connections are speculative. Geniva appears most frequently in the early 20th century and has seen a slight revival in recent years.

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Gen, Genny, Viva

Variants: Geneva, Genevieve, Genoveva

Sibling names for Geniva

Names that share Geniva's style, for a brother or sister.

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

G is for Geniva, our favorite little girl.

G is for Geniva…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Geniva's letter becomes Geniva's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Geniva's book

Books for siblings or grandkids? The second book is 15% off.

Questions parents ask

What does the name Geniva mean?
The meaning of Geniva is uncertain. It is likely a variant of Geneva, which may be a place name of unknown origin, possibly derived from the Latin Genava.
How popular is the name Geniva currently?
Geniva is very rare. It was first recorded in 1915, peaked in 1928, and after a long decline began rising again in 2022.
Is Geniva a boy or girl name?
Geniva is predominantly used as a girl's name.