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.