Eugene: A Name of Noble Birth and Enduring Appeal

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Eugene: A Name of Noble Birth and Enduring Appeal

Choosing a name for your baby is a significant decision, laden with hopes and dreams. The name Eugene, meaning "well-born" or "noble," offers a timeless charm and a rich history. This article explores the popularity of Eugene, its variants, and similar names, providing a comprehensive guide for parents considering this classic choice.

(Image of the name Eugene as provided in the original HTML)

Eugene Name Popularity

How popular is the name Eugene? The data paints a picture of a name that enjoyed considerable favor in the early to mid-20th century before experiencing a decline. Let’s delve into the details:

The name’s popularity peaked between the 1920s and 1950s. In 1927 and 1928, it ranked as high as number 20, with nearly 10,000 births each year. As the decades progressed, its popularity gradually waned. By the 1980s, Eugene had fallen out of the top 200 names, and since 2000, it has consistently ranked outside the top 500.

While Eugene might not be as trendy as it once was, its enduring quality and sophisticated sound still appeal to many parents. The Social Security Administration data provides a comprehensive view of Eugene’s journey through time:

Year Rank # Births % Births
1910 40 862 0.2448%
1920 29 6,860 0.617%
1930 21 9,022 0.8637%
1940 38 5,796 0.5453%
1950 58 5,477 0.3402%
1960 109 3,754 0.1981%
1970 146 2,246 0.1411%
1980 190 1,267 0.0867%
1990 311 775 0.0468%
2000 511 400 0.0262%
2010 763 237 0.0164%
2020 883 200 0.0157%
2023 932 197 0.0152%

(A small chart showing Eugene’s popularity in the District of Columbia is included here, mirroring the original article)

Data Source: SSA.gov

Names Like Eugene

If you appreciate the classic and sophisticated feel of Eugene, several other names offer a similar appeal.

Diminutives of Eugene

  • Gene: A shorter, more casual version of Eugene, also meaning "well-born, noble."

Variants of Eugene

These names share the same origin and meaning as Eugene, offering slight variations in spelling and pronunciation:

  • Efigenio
  • Efigenios
  • Efigenius
  • Ephigenio
  • Ephigenios
  • Eugen
  • Eugenio
  • Eugenios
  • Evgeny
  • Ifigenio
  • Ifigenios

Names That Sound Like Eugene

These names have a similar phonetic quality:

  • Eagan
  • Eagen
  • Egan
  • Egann
  • Egon

Similar Names to Eugene

These names evoke a similar sense of nobility and strength:

  • Aodh (Scottish, meaning "fire")
  • Eoghan (Gaelic, meaning "born of yew; youth")
  • Euan (Scottish, meaning "born of yew; youth")
  • Gino (Italian, short form of names ending in -gino)
  • Owen (Welsh, meaning "noble born")
  • Yevgeny (Russian, meaning "well-born, noble")

Siblings of Eugene

Parents who chose the name Eugene for one child sometimes select the following name for a sibling:

  • Eugen

Conclusion

Eugene is a name with a distinguished meaning and a rich history. While its popularity has fluctuated over the years, its timeless appeal and association with nobility make it a worthwhile consideration for parents seeking a classic and meaningful name for their son. Whether you choose Eugene itself or one of its many variations and similar-sounding names, you’re selecting a name with a strong and enduring presence.