Eugene is a name of Greek origin, derived from the word "eugenēs" which means "well-born" or "noble". The name has been popular throughout history and is associated with several notable figures.
The most famous bearer of the name Eugene is likely Saint Eugene of Verona, who was a Christian martyr in the 4th century. He was beheaded for his faith during the reign of Emperor Maximian and is considered the patron saint of good manners and proper behavior. His feast day is celebrated on November 1st.
Another notable figure named Eugene is Eugene O'Neill, an American playwright known for his works such as "The Iceman Cometh" and "Long Day's Journey Into Night". He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1936 and is considered one of the founders of American drama.
The name Eugene has also been used by several rulers throughout history. One example is Eugene of Savoy, a prince who played a significant role in the Wars of the Spanish Succession during the 18th century.
In terms of popularity, Eugene was a popular name in the United States during the early to mid-20th century, particularly among boys. However, its usage has declined since then and it is now considered more uncommon.
Overall, the name Eugene has a rich history and is associated with several notable figures throughout time. Its meaning, "well-born" or "noble", adds to its appeal as a strong and distinguished name choice.
Based on the statistics provided, the name Eugene was relatively popular during certain periods in the United States from 1914 to 1961. The number of births each year fluctuated significantly, ranging from a low of 5 births in 1922 and 1940 to a high of 18 births in 1927.
The name Eugene seemed to gain some traction in the mid-1920s, with a peak of 11 births in 1925. This popularity carried over into the late 1920s and early 1930s, with consistent birth numbers ranging from 11 to 17 each year until dropping back down to 7 births in 1936.
Interestingly, there was another spike in popularity for the name Eugene during World War II, with birth numbers reaching double digits again between 1942 and 1945. However, this popularity did not carry over into the post-war years, as the number of births dropped back down to single digits by 1947.
Overall, while the name Eugene was not consistently popular throughout the entire period from 1914 to 1961, it did experience periods of relative popularity during certain decades. The total number of births recorded over this period is 347, indicating that the name has been given to at least some children in each year listed.