Declining since 1985, #943 for boys today.
Popularity of Eugene since 1880
Babies named Eugene per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 3,430 |
| 1890s | 4,303 |
| 1900s | 5,909 |
| 1910s | 35,161 |
| 1920s | 84,755 |
| 1930s | 70,938 |
| 1940s | 57,275 |
| 1950s | 48,281 |
| 1960s | 29,311 |
| 1970s | 16,534 |
| 1980s | 10,560 |
| 1990s | 6,088 |
| 2000s | 3,743 |
| 2010s | 2,845 |
| 2020s | 1,575 |
Meaning & origin
Eugene has a long history of use, peaking at rank 20 in 1928, when it was among the most popular names for boys. Since the 1980s, it has steadily fallen in usage, now ranking 943 in 2025, with roughly 1 in 6,860 newborn boys receiving the name. It remains most common in states like Idaho, Kansas, and Colorado, reflecting enduring regional appeal.
From the Greek name Eugenios, derived from 'eugenes' meaning 'well-born.' It was borne by several early saints, including Pope Eugene I, and became common across Europe. In English-speaking countries, it was especially popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, often shortened to Gene.
Where Eugene is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Eugene” around the world
Where Eugene lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
95
babies in 2024
Quebec
14
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · Retraite Québec (Quebec).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Gene
Variants: Eugenio
Sibling names for Eugene
Names that share Eugene's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Louise, Martha, Edith, Florence, Clara, Doris, Gloria, Lois, Phyllis, Shirley, Genia, Ilene, Joleen, Laraine, Larraine, Maurine, Charlesetta, Darline, Deneen, Genevie, Jeanene, Jeanetta, Joette, Joline, Louetta, Margene, Willette, Aileene, Arnette, Charletta, Claudene, Coretha, Deatrice, Denine, Donnabelle, Dorena, Eudelia, Genene, Genese, Gerldine, Jeneane, Jeniece, Jerene, Joelyn, Laresa, Lauralyn, Lorriane, Marceil, Marcelyn, Michelene, Oretha, Rayetta, Rogene, Ronette, Roxan, Sheralyn, Beverlee, Carollee, Claudean, Davene, Eutha, Faylene, Illene, Jannice, Jeanean, Jeanenne, Jerrine, Jodeen, Korine, Laree, Lindalee, Lujean, Raejean, Rogena, Roxine, Wannetta, Franceen, Arlyss, Claudeen, Clotile, Deanette, Deneane, Doralene, Doranne, Dorinne, Doristine, Dorreen, Durenda, Elgene, Eulene, Euline, Euretha, Floreen, Forrestine, Genean, Gerene, Glorine, Jeanita, Jenese, Joleene, Judene, Lagena, Loriene, Lorrene, Loucille, Luane, Marigene, Mertha, Myrene, Pauleen, Roxene, Royanne, Shriley, Vergene
Brothers: Ernest, Albert, Walter, Raymond, Harold, Howard, Ralph, Wayne, Carroll, Jonell, Lugene, Dewain, Dewane, Euell, Dervin, Eulice, Levonne, Landrum, Valgene
Names like Eugene
Names whose popularity has moved with Eugene's over the last 50 years.
