Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Eugene
BoyGreek, French· “well born”
- Meaning
- well born
- Origin
- Greek, French
- Pronunciation
- yoo-JEEN
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #943
- US babies 2025
- 249
- Best rank
- #20 (1927)
- Peak year
- 1927
Meaning and origin of Eugene
Eugene is a Greek and French name that means “well born”.
Eugene comes from the Greek Eugenios, meaning well born or noble, from eu, good, and genos, birth. Several popes and saints carried the name, and Prince Eugene of Savoy, one of the great generals of his time, made it famous in European history. Eugene became popular in the United States in the early twentieth century and is carried by playwright Eugene O'Neill. After decades as a grandfather name, it is attracting interest again with the vintage revival. Gene is the classic nickname, and Eugenia and Eugénie are feminine forms.
Popularity over time
Eugene has been given to babies in the United States since at least 1880, the first year of Social Security records. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 146 different years. Its best national rank was #20 in 1927, the same year it reached its highest count of 9,742 babies. In 2025, 249 babies were named Eugene, and it ranked #943 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #30 in 1920, #58 in 1950, #191 in 1980, #504 in 2000, #776 in 2010, and #943 in 2025. Of the 380,708 US boys named Eugene since records began, 22% were born in the 1920s, its biggest decade. The 1930s come next, with 70,938 babies. Since 2010, 4,420 more have been named Eugene.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Herbert, Jack, Alfred, Norman, and Marvin.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Eugene ranked highest in Idaho, Kansas, and Colorado.
Gender, sound and spelling
About 99% of US babies named Eugene over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
Eugene is usually pronounced yoo-JEEN, with two syllables. It has six letters, starts with E and ends in “-ne”.
Middle names for Eugene
A few middle names that flow with Eugene: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Eugene
Similar names
Louis Boy
LOO-ee
“famous warrior” · French
#249
Albert Boy
AL-burt
“noble and bright” · Germanic
#614
Nicolas Boy
NIH-kuh-luhs
“victory of the people” · Greek
#177
Peter Boy
PEE-tur
“stone” · Greek
#187
Stephen Boy
STEE-vuhn
“crown, wreath” · Greek
#383
Andre Boy
AHN-dray
“manly, brave” · French
#368
Phillip Boy
FIH-luhp
“lover of horses” · Greek
#651
Philip Boy
FIH-luhp
“lover of horses” · Greek
#528
Dennis Boy
DEH-nihs
“follower of Dionysus” · Greek
#707
George Boy
JAWRJ
“farmer” · Greek
#126
Edward Boy
EHD-wurd
“wealthy guardian” · English
#224
Francis Boy
FRAN-suhs
“Frenchman” · Latin
#420
Lists that include Eugene
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Eugene mean?
Eugene is a Greek and French name that means “well born”.
What is the origin of the name Eugene?
Eugene has Greek and French roots. Eugene comes from the Greek Eugenios, meaning well born or noble, from eu, good, and genos, birth.
Is Eugene a popular name?
Yes. Eugene ranked #943 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Eugene a boy or girl name?
Eugene is mainly a boy's name. About 99% of US babies named Eugene over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
How do you pronounce Eugene?
Eugene is usually pronounced yoo-JEEN. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings