Eugene is a name of Greek origin that has been popular throughout history. It comes from the Greek word "εὐγενής" (eugenes), which means "well-born" or "noble". This name has been associated with nobility and high birth throughout its history.
The name Eugene gained prominence in the Middle Ages, when it was used by several saints and prominent figures. One of the most notable was Saint Eugene of Carthage, a Christian martyr who was executed for his faith during the persecutions under Roman Emperor Maximian in the 3rd century. Another famous figure was Saint Eugene of Caesarea, a bishop of Caesarea Mazaca in Cappadocia (modern-day Turkey) during the 4th century.
In literature, the name Eugene has been used by several authors to denote characters who are noble or have high aspirations. For example, in Victor Hugo's novel "Les Misérables", Eugene Raspail is a wealthy and influential politician who plays a significant role in the story.
The name Eugene was also popular among royalty throughout history. Several kings and princes bore this name, including Eugene of Savoy (1663-1736), a renowned military leader and statesman who served as a marshal in the French army during the reigns of Louis XIV and Louis XV.
Today, Eugene is still used as a given name for boys, although it has become less common than it was in previous centuries. It remains associated with nobility, high aspirations, and historic figures who have made significant contributions to society.
"Eugene's popularity peaked around the mid-1920s with over 9700 births annually. Since then, its usage has consistently declined, reaching a low of 246 births in 2022."