A 1930s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Gene since 1880
Babies named Gene per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1880s | 40 | 129 |
| 1890s | 140 | 219 |
| 1900s | 261 | 554 |
| 1910s | 1,060 | 3,870 |
| 1920s | 2,357 | 17,579 |
| 1930s | 938 | 29,313 |
| 1940s | 1,011 | 27,739 |
| 1950s | 566 | 19,694 |
| 1960s | 235 | 13,701 |
| 1970s | 171 | 6,233 |
| 1980s | 105 | 3,621 |
| 1990s | 61 | 2,058 |
| 2000s | 21 | 999 |
| 2010s | 26 | 695 |
| 2020s | 5 | 473 |
Meaning & origin
The name Gene has a storied history as a short form of Eugene, which traces back to the Greek Eugenios, meaning 'well-born' or 'noble'. It first appeared in U.S. records in 1880, the earliest year of Social Security data, and reached its peak popularity in 1937, when it was a top choice for American boys. After declining for decades, Gene has seen a steady resurgence since 2014, a trend that continues into 2025, when it ranked 2,230 nationally. The name was especially common in the 1930s decade and is seeing a modern revival, with notable usage in California and Texas. Gene's straightforward, one-syllable charm has made it a enduring favorite, often chosen as a standalone name or a nickname for Eugene.
Gene is a short form of Eugene, which derives from the Greek name Eugenios, meaning 'well-born' or 'noble'. The name was borne by several early saints and later became common in English-speaking countries, particularly in the United States during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Where Gene 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.
Sibling names for Gene
Names that share Gene's style, for a brother or sister.
