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Eugene Boy

Popularity: #652 · Trend: ↘ Falling

Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: YOO-jeen //juːˈdʒiːn//

Origin: Greek; French

Meaning: Greek: well-born; French: prosperous

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Eugene derives from the Greek name "Eugenios," which means "well-born" or "noble." This name is composed of the elements "eu," meaning "good," and "genes," meaning "born of" or "race." The name was adopted into Latin as "Eugenius," which later influenced its forms in various languages, including Old French as "Eugène" before entering the English language in the 19th century. The transition into English was facilitated through literary and ecclesiastical channels, particularly as the name gained prominence in Christian contexts.

Historically, the name Eugene has been borne by several notable figures, including Saint Eugene of Carthage, a Christian martyr from the 3rd century, and Pope Eugene IV, who served from 1431 to 1447. The name also appears in significant literary works, such as "Eugene Onegin," a novel in verse by the Russian poet Alexander Pushkin, published in the early 19th century.

Additionally, the name was popularized in the context of the Renaissance, reflecting the era's emphasis on humanism and the revival of classical learning. Culturally, the name Eugene has been associated with qualities of nobility and virtue, resonating with the ideals of the aristocracy in various European societies.

It has also been linked to the arts, with several artists and intellectuals bearing the name, which further solidified its cultural significance. The diminutive form "Gene" has also emerged, serving as a familiar variant that retains the essence of the original name while offering a more casual alternative.

Overall, Eugene's etymological roots and historical associations contribute to its enduring legacy in various cultural contexts.

Famous people named Eugene

Eugene O'Neill is a playwright best known for Long Day's Journey Into Night, A Moon for the Misbegotten, and The Iceman Cometh.

Eugene Levy is an actor and comedian best known for Schitt's Creek, American Pie, and Best in Show.

Eugene Mirman is a comedian and actor best known for Bob's Burgers, Delocated, and his stand-up specials.

Eugene Fodor is a violinist best known for his performances and recordings of classical music.

Fictional characters named Eugene

Eugene Fitzherbert is a fictional character from the animated film Tangled. He is a charming thief who becomes the love interest of Rapunzel and plays a crucial role in her journey of self-discovery.

Eugene H. Krabs is a fictional character from the animated television series SpongeBob SquarePants. He is the greedy owner of the Krusty Krab and often serves as a comedic antagonist to SpongeBob and his friends.

Sibling suggestions

Similar names

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Eugene was first seen in the United States in 1880.

Eugene has ranked as high as #40 nationally, which occurred in 1927, and has been most popular in New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, California, and Ohio.

In the past 5 years the name Eugene has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Eugene (2024)

State Births Share
CA 34
15%
TX 24
11%
NY 16
7%
PA 13
6%
IL 12
5%
MN 12
5%
FL 11
5%
OH 9
4%
MI 9
4%
GA 9
4%
WA 9
4%
LA 8
4%
WI 7
3%
KS 7
3%
OR 7
3%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
1880328
1881314
1882341
1883325
1884321
1885345
1886362
1887327
1888398
1889369
1890408
1891362
1892414
1893392
1894421
1895430
1896507
1897447
1898473
1899449
1900587
1901445
1902524
1903478
1904541
1905593
1906637
1907691
1908689
1909724
1910888
19111,059
19122,114
19132,525
19143,211
19154,321
19164,646
19174,873
19185,631
19195,892
19206,867
19217,717
19227,849
19237,947
19248,346
19258,517
19269,016
19279,742
19289,709
19299,045
19309,028
19318,152
19328,046
19337,352
19347,145
19356,859
19366,375
19376,000
19386,113
19395,869
19405,802
19415,755
19426,091
19435,902
19445,505
19455,167
19465,670
19476,178
19485,608
19495,595
19505,482
19515,579
19525,314
19535,147
19545,033
19554,792
19564,619
19574,410
19584,014
19593,889
19603,761
19613,448
19623,306
19633,216
19643,077
19652,714
19662,620
19672,451
19682,365
19692,352
19702,264
19712,059
19721,807
19731,717
19741,601
19751,519
19761,512
19771,395
19781,329
19791,331
19801,287
19811,172
19821,228
19831,100
19841,066
1985996
19861,018
1987896
1988912
1989885
1990810
1991776
1992716
1993642
1994636
1995529
1996496
1997512
1998487
1999484
2000454
2001422
2002405
2003383
2004383
2005340
2006352
2007351
2008341
2009312
2010287
2011263
2012315
2013290
2014291
2015274
2016300
2017274
2018254
2019296
2020272
2021279
2022248
2023251
2024276