Gene

Meaning: Well-born, noble
Origin: Variant of Eugene (from Ancient Greek)

Boy's name · #2238 in the US (2025) · Vintage

Popularity over time

Gene belongs to an older America first — it reached #61 back in 1937 — yet it still appears in today's records at #2238. About 127,000 boys have carried it since 1880. In all that time it has never once missed a year of the national records.

Across the states

See where Gene is more common.

Appears in 2020-2025 birth records of 5 states. See the full state-by-state map on this page.

Around the world

See how Gene ranks in other countries and regions.

#594 in Scotland (2025) · #669 in England & Wales (2025).

Famous Genes

Gene Wilder — American actor (1933–2016)
Gene Hackman — American actor and novelist (1930–2025)
Gene Kelly — American dancer, actor, singer, director and choreographer (1912–1996)
Gene Roddenberry — American television screenwriter and producer (1921–1991)
Gene Simmons — American rock musician

In stories & tradition

Gene Hunt — Ashes to Ashes (TV series)
Gene — Metal Gear (video game series)
Gene Belcher — Bob's Burgers (TV series)

What Genes become

Among 1,255 notable people named Gene:

Sports figures appear 2.23× more often than among typical names — e.g. Gene Tunney, American boxer (1897–1978).

Similar names: Eugene · Jackie · Gerald · Duane · Pete · Johnnie

Browse more boy names — popularity, trends and eras for 5,700+ American names, free.

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