What does Eugene mean and where does it come from?
Eugene is traditionally a male name derived from the Greek name 'Eugenios'. While primarily used for males, it can also be adapted for females. The name has been in use since the Middle Ages, particularly popularized by Saint Eugene. In modern contexts, variations such as Eugenia are the more common
Cultural significance
Eugene has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in English-speaking communities, where it reflects values of well-born, noble.
Peak popularity
Reached #763 in 1930 — currently #943 in the US.
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Related Reading
English-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How popular is Eugene right now?
Falling — down 68 spots — currently #943 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #943 | 249 | ▼ down 68 · -10% births |
| 2024 | #875 | 276 | ▲ up 43 · +10% births |
| 2023 | #918 | 251 | ▲ up 12 · +1% births |
| 2022 | #930 | 248 | ▼ down 80 · -11% births |
| 2021 | #850 | 279 | ▲ up 9596 · +2690% births |
| 2010 | #10446 | 10 | ▲ up 4068 · +67% births |
| 2005 | #14514 | 6 | ▼ down 3762 · -25% births |
| 2000 | #10752 | 8 | ▲ up 2225 · +60% births |
| 1990 | #12977 | 5 | ▼ down 6510 · -50% births |
| 1985 | #6467 | 10 | ▼ down 1216 · -23% births |
| 1980 | #5251 | 13 | ▼ down 1845 · -35% births |
| 1975 | #3406 | 20 | ▲ up 642 · +43% births |
| 1970 | #4048 | 14 | ▼ down 1302 · -30% births |
| 1965 | #2746 | 20 | ▲ up 250 · +18% births |
| 1960 | #2996 | 17 | — |
The story of Eugene
Eugene has been a beloved American name for over 143 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1881. More than 381,995 babies have been named Eugene since 1881. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #1073 in 1895 to #918 in 2023. Eugene is used for both genders: 1% female and 99% male.
Names that peaked alongside Eugene in 1930:
Eugene by decade
Eugene peaked in the 1930s. See all 1930s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 3,461 | |
| 1890s | 4,365 | |
| 1900s | 6,002 | |
| 1910s | 35,434 | |
| 1920s ★ | 85,389 | |
| 1930s | 71,404 | |
| 1940s | 57,522 | |
| 1950s | 48,466 | |
| 1960s | 29,498 | |
| 1970s | 16,717 | |
| 1980s | 10,685 | |
| 1990s | 6,130 | |
| 2000s | 3,794 | |
| 2010s | 2,861 | |
| 2020s | 792 | |
What are good nicknames for Eugene?
ANCIENT GREEK
EugeneiaEugenia
How is Eugene written in other languages?
What are the girl versions of Eugene?
Common questions about the name Eugene
What does the name Eugene mean?
Eugene means "well-born, noble" — a name rooted in English tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Eugene?
Eugene is currently ranked #918 as a baby name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Eugene?
Eugene originates from English tradition. English names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Eugene?
Eugene is a two-syllable name pronounced yoo-JEEN. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Eugene a common or rare name?
Eugene is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.