MallowbyNames

Jenavieve

jen-uh-VEEV · Possibly a modern respelling of Genevieve, meaning "woman of the race" or "white wave" from Celtic elements, but the exact meaning is uncertain.

2025 rank (girls)
#5,917
Babies named in 2025
20
Peak popularity
2011
2025 frequency
1 in 80,363 girls
Usually for
Girls
Trend
Declining since 2010

Declining since 2010, #5,917 for girls today.

Popularity of Jenavieve since 1988

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

2243651990200020102020Most births 2011Girls
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirls
1980s10
1990s56
2000s323
2010s456
2020s152

Meaning & origin

Jenavieve is a modern respelling of the classic name Genevieve. First recorded in 1988, it saw its highest usage in 2011 when it ranked 5,917th. Since then, it has fallen in popularity, reflecting a broader trend away from fanciful respellings. The name is most common in California. While its etymology is uncertain, it likely derives from Celtic or Germanic roots. Because it's a recent coinage, Jenavieve carries a contemporary feel while echoing the elegance of its traditional counterpart.

Jenavieve is a modern English respelling of Genevieve, a name of uncertain origin. Genevieve is traditionally derived from the Germanic name Genoveva or the Celtic name Gwenhwyfar (source of Jennifer). The name has been consistently used in the United States since the late 20th century, rising in popularity in the 2000s but declining since around 2010.

Where Jenavieve is most popular

Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Jena, Jen, Vieve, Gen

Variants: Genevieve, Jenavieve, Jenevieve

Sibling names for Jenavieve

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

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

J is for Jenavieve, our favorite little girl.

J is for Jenavieve…”

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

Make Jenavieve's book

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

Questions parents ask

What does the name Jenavieve mean?
Jenavieve is a modern respelling of Genevieve. The original meaning is debated but often given as "woman of the race" from Germanic elements, or "white wave" from Celtic.
How popular is the name Jenavieve?
As of the latest data from 2025, Jenavieve ranked 5,917th in the United States, with about 1 in every 80,363 girls receiving the name. Its peak popularity was in 2011.
Is Jenavieve a boy or girl name?
Jenavieve is almost exclusively used for girls.