Eugene Boy
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 | |
| TX | 24 | |
| NY | 16 | |
| PA | 13 | |
| IL | 12 | |
| MN | 12 | |
| FL | 11 | |
| OH | 9 | |
| MI | 9 | |
| GA | 9 | |
| WA | 9 | |
| LA | 8 | |
| WI | 7 | |
| KS | 7 | |
| OR | 7 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
| Year | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880 | 328 |
| 1881 | 314 |
| 1882 | 341 |
| 1883 | 325 |
| 1884 | 321 |
| 1885 | 345 |
| 1886 | 362 |
| 1887 | 327 |
| 1888 | 398 |
| 1889 | 369 |
| 1890 | 408 |
| 1891 | 362 |
| 1892 | 414 |
| 1893 | 392 |
| 1894 | 421 |
| 1895 | 430 |
| 1896 | 507 |
| 1897 | 447 |
| 1898 | 473 |
| 1899 | 449 |
| 1900 | 587 |
| 1901 | 445 |
| 1902 | 524 |
| 1903 | 478 |
| 1904 | 541 |
| 1905 | 593 |
| 1906 | 637 |
| 1907 | 691 |
| 1908 | 689 |
| 1909 | 724 |
| 1910 | 888 |
| 1911 | 1,059 |
| 1912 | 2,114 |
| 1913 | 2,525 |
| 1914 | 3,211 |
| 1915 | 4,321 |
| 1916 | 4,646 |
| 1917 | 4,873 |
| 1918 | 5,631 |
| 1919 | 5,892 |
| 1920 | 6,867 |
| 1921 | 7,717 |
| 1922 | 7,849 |
| 1923 | 7,947 |
| 1924 | 8,346 |
| 1925 | 8,517 |
| 1926 | 9,016 |
| 1927 | 9,742 |
| 1928 | 9,709 |
| 1929 | 9,045 |
| 1930 | 9,028 |
| 1931 | 8,152 |
| 1932 | 8,046 |
| 1933 | 7,352 |
| 1934 | 7,145 |
| 1935 | 6,859 |
| 1936 | 6,375 |
| 1937 | 6,000 |
| 1938 | 6,113 |
| 1939 | 5,869 |
| 1940 | 5,802 |
| 1941 | 5,755 |
| 1942 | 6,091 |
| 1943 | 5,902 |
| 1944 | 5,505 |
| 1945 | 5,167 |
| 1946 | 5,670 |
| 1947 | 6,178 |
| 1948 | 5,608 |
| 1949 | 5,595 |
| 1950 | 5,482 |
| 1951 | 5,579 |
| 1952 | 5,314 |
| 1953 | 5,147 |
| 1954 | 5,033 |
| 1955 | 4,792 |
| 1956 | 4,619 |
| 1957 | 4,410 |
| 1958 | 4,014 |
| 1959 | 3,889 |
| 1960 | 3,761 |
| 1961 | 3,448 |
| 1962 | 3,306 |
| 1963 | 3,216 |
| 1964 | 3,077 |
| 1965 | 2,714 |
| 1966 | 2,620 |
| 1967 | 2,451 |
| 1968 | 2,365 |
| 1969 | 2,352 |
| 1970 | 2,264 |
| 1971 | 2,059 |
| 1972 | 1,807 |
| 1973 | 1,717 |
| 1974 | 1,601 |
| 1975 | 1,519 |
| 1976 | 1,512 |
| 1977 | 1,395 |
| 1978 | 1,329 |
| 1979 | 1,331 |
| 1980 | 1,287 |
| 1981 | 1,172 |
| 1982 | 1,228 |
| 1983 | 1,100 |
| 1984 | 1,066 |
| 1985 | 996 |
| 1986 | 1,018 |
| 1987 | 896 |
| 1988 | 912 |
| 1989 | 885 |
| 1990 | 810 |
| 1991 | 776 |
| 1992 | 716 |
| 1993 | 642 |
| 1994 | 636 |
| 1995 | 529 |
| 1996 | 496 |
| 1997 | 512 |
| 1998 | 487 |
| 1999 | 484 |
| 2000 | 454 |
| 2001 | 422 |
| 2002 | 405 |
| 2003 | 383 |
| 2004 | 383 |
| 2005 | 340 |
| 2006 | 352 |
| 2007 | 351 |
| 2008 | 341 |
| 2009 | 312 |
| 2010 | 287 |
| 2011 | 263 |
| 2012 | 315 |
| 2013 | 290 |
| 2014 | 291 |
| 2015 | 274 |
| 2016 | 300 |
| 2017 | 274 |
| 2018 | 254 |
| 2019 | 296 |
| 2020 | 272 |
| 2021 | 279 |
| 2022 | 248 |
| 2023 | 251 |
| 2024 | 276 |