Eugene is a name of Greek origin, derived from the word "eugenes," which means "well-born" or "noble." It has been used as a given name since ancient times and was quite popular among early Christians due to its association with Saint Eugene, who was believed to be a companion of Saint Peter.
The use of the name Eugene spread throughout Europe during the Middle Ages, particularly in France where it became quite common. However, it wasn't until the 19th century that Eugene began to gain popularity as a given name in English-speaking countries.
One famous bearer of the name Eugene is Eugene O'Neill, an American playwright who won four Pulitzer Prizes for Drama and was known for his dark, naturalistic plays about the lives of working-class people. Another notable figure is Eugene McCarthy, a United States Senator from Minnesota who ran for President in 1968 on an anti-war platform.
Today, Eugene remains a popular name among English-speaking parents, with its use varying depending on the country and region. While it may not be as widespread as some other names, those who bear this name can take pride in its rich history and noble meaning.
Based on the provided statistics, the name Eugean experienced varying popularity in the United States during the early to mid-20th century. The highest number of births recorded for this name was in the year 1929 with a total of 12 newborns given the name Eugean.
However, it's important to note that the popularity fluctuated significantly over time. For instance, there were no reported births with the name Eugean in some years such as 1918, 1920-1921, and 1935-1945, suggesting that this name was not commonly chosen during those periods.
Overall, from 1917 to 1955, the total number of births with the name Eugean in the United States was 178. This indicates that while it wasn't one of the most popular names during this time period, it did have some recurring presence among baby boys.