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Eugene

Boy name · 26 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Eugene: 26 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to boys, peaking at 6 births in 1976.

Of Greek origin, Eugene comes from *Eugenios*, meaning "well-born" or "noble," composed of *eu* (good) and *genos* (birth, race). Saint Eugene, a 3rd-century bishop and martyr, helped popularise the name across early Christendom. The playwright Eugene O’Neill brought it literary fame, while Eugene “Gene” Roddenberry created *Star Trek*. In Scotland, the Gaelic equivalent *Eòghann* (often anglicised as Ewan or Eoghan) shares a distinct Celtic root—*yew-born*—though it is frequently conflated with the Greek form. The name also clings to places like Eugene, Oregon, named after pioneer Eugene Skinner. A softer variant, Eugène, thrives in French, while the diminutive Gene has enjoyed independent use. Despite a decline in modern popularity, Eugene retains a dignified, scholarly air.