Gene is a name of Greek origin that means "noble" or "well-born". It is derived from the Greek word "genos", which refers to one's family, clan, or race. The name Gene has been popular throughout history and has been borne by many notable figures.
One of the most famous people named Gene was Gene Kelly, a renowned American dancer, actor, and choreographer who starred in numerous classic musical films such as Singin' in the Rain and Anchors Aweigh. Another well-known figure is Gene Hackman, an Academy Award-winning American actor known for his roles in films like The French Connection, The Conversation, and Unforgiven.
The name Gene has also been popular among scientists and inventors throughout history. One notable example is Eugene O'Neill, a Nobel Prize-winning American playwright who was considered one of the founders of American drama. Another famous figure is Eugene McCarthy, an American politician and poet who served as a United States Senator from Minnesota from 1959 to 1971.
In literature, Gene appears as a character in several works, including Gene Wolfe's award-winning novel series The Book of the New Sun and Octavia E. Butler's short story "Bloodchild". The name has also been used in popular culture, such as in the animated television series Family Guy, where one of the main characters is named Gene.
Overall, Gene is a strong and distinctive name with a rich history and many notable bearers throughout the centuries. It is a timeless choice that continues to be popular today.
The name Gene experienced significant fluctuations in popularity over time, with a notable increase starting around the late 19th century. It peaked between 1914 and 1925, with the highest number of births recorded in 1925 (374). However, since the mid-20th century, the name's popularity has steadily declined, with fewer than 10 births per year occurring from the late 1960s onwards. As of 2019, Gene ranks among the least popular names in recent years, with only six births recorded. In total, over the period spanning from 1882 to 2019, there were 6992 babies named Gene at birth.