A reader named Steff asked me about the name Genevieve the other day:
I love it, but it seems like it would be difficult for a little girl to spell & pronounce. What are your opinions?
I agree that Genevieve could be challenging for some little girls. But I definitely don’t think this should deter you from using it, if you love it. A lot of great names (e.g. Madeleine, Jacqueline, Maximilian) are tricky for children to say and spell correctly, but I would hate to think they’re being used less because of this.
A cute nickname like Gen or Vivi might work well for a little girl named Genevieve until she’s old enough to tackle the full name.
What do you guys think of the name Genevieve–too cumbersome for a little girl?
Steff also asked:
Would you be able to suggest names based on these siblings names? – Charlotte, Sophie, Evan & Connor
I’m guessing the focus is female names (i.e. alternatives to Genevieve) so I tried for traditional options that don’t repeat any of the beginning or ending sounds of Charlotte, Sophie, Evan or Connor. Here’s what I came up with:
| Amelia Anna Ava Bella Brianna Danielle Diana Felice | Gabrielle Georgia Hannah Laura Leah Lucy Lydia Maria | Matilda Michelle Nicole Noelle Norah Rachel Renée Therese |
What other name suggestions would you offer?
Update, 11/25 – The baby is here! Scroll down to the final comment (dated November 25th) to find out what her name is…
I think a nickname would make it easier on a kid. Something like Eve, Evie, Nev, Genni/Jenny, Gina, Genie/Jeannie, Geva, Gia, Viv, or Gee.
That said, I am in FULL support of the name Genevieve. :D
I second Angela on this one.
On the show Trading spaces, there used to be a designer named Genevieve, alot of the other cast members call her Gen.
I love Genevieve as well. My only two additions to your list of alternatives are Marjorie and Josephine.
My sister’s name is Genevieve. It was our grandmother’s name (nn Gen) and our Aunt’s name (nn Ginny) She has always been called Genna. I can speak for her when I say that it wasn’t an easy name to have as a child. At one point she thought that her first name was Genna and her middle name Vieve. I know I couldn’t spell it until I was 10! Now, as a adult, she likes her name- it is her daughter Ava’s middle name. I do know she always despised the nn “Gen.” It was like, her full name is Genevieve, her nickname is Genna, don’t shorten it anymore!
If you love the name, use it! :-) Most kids eventually learn to spell & write their names just fine, even if they’re lengthy with lots of syllables – think of all of the Christophers & Alexanders out there.
Genevieve is a fantastic name – I really like it.
If you’re looking for a shorter name with the Gen- beginning, you could use Geneva, but I think that Genevieve is miles better. Geneva brings it down to 6 letters, though, rather than 9. Both are still 3-syllables.
Best of luck chosing a name. My vote goes to Genevieve.
Just noticed that Geneva has sibling Evan’s name in it!
Just heard from Steff!
She is happy to announce that they decided to go with Genevieve.
Congrats! :)