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Eugene

♂ Boy

Pronounced YOO-jeen /ˈjuː.dʒiːn/High

Meaning: From Greek Eugenios, composed of eu meaning good or well and genos meaning birth, race, or family, thus meaning of noble birth or well-bornHigh

In 30 seconds: Eugene is a classic Greek name meaning well-born that has belonged to popes, saints, scientists, and writers. After decades of mid-century staleness, it is being rediscovered as a distinguished vintage choice.
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Origin HighGreek
MeaningFrom Greek Eugenios, composed of eu meaning good or well and genos meaning birth, race, or family, thus meaning of noble birth or well-born
U.S. rank (2025)#943 ↘ Falling
2025 U.S. births249 boys (0.01% of U.S. boys)
Peak year1927
Total births (all-time)≈ 380,702

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 192718802025

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

The name Eugenios was used in ancient Greece and spread through the Roman Empire and Christian tradition. Saint Eugene of Carthage (5th century) and four popes named Eugene established it as a prestige ecclesiastical name.

Eugene reached peak English-language popularity in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Prince Eugene of Savoy (1663–1736), one of the greatest military commanders of his era, gave the name European aristocratic luster.

Did you know? Four popes have borne the name Eugene, including Pope Eugene IV (1383–1447). The name's Greek root eu also appears in words like euphoria and eulogy, making Eugene literally a name about goodness.
Overall data confidence 97%
Behind the Name — Eugene — etymology and usageU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

EugenioEvgenyOwen

Nicknames

GeneGenie

Famous Bearers

  • ★Eugene O'Neill (1888–1953)
    American playwright and winner of the 1936 Nobel Prize in Literature. His works include Long Day's Journey into Night and Mourning Becomes Electra.

If you like Eugene…

Edgar— shares the distinguished vintage feel and quiet intellectual prestige
Ernest— same mid-century classic undergoing a literary vintage revival
Clarence— same patrician vintage quality on the comeback trail
Leon— same short-ending European classic with a rising revival trend

Frequently Asked

What does the name Eugene mean?

Eugene comes from Greek Eugenios meaning well-born or of noble birth, combining eu (good) and genos (birth, family).

How do you pronounce Eugene?

It is said YOO-jeen, with two syllables and stress on the second.

Is Eugene an old-fashioned name?

Eugene peaked in the early 20th century and is considered vintage today, but it is being rediscovered alongside other distinguished classic names.

What famous people are named Eugene?

Famous Eugenes include playwright Eugene O'Neill, Prince Eugene of Savoy, and four Roman Catholic popes.