Gene

“Variant of Eugene — Well-born, noble” — Ancient Greek origin

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

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.

Around the world: about 1 in 3,900 boys in Scotland (2025) · about 1 in 5,000 boys in England & Wales (2025).

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

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
Gene — Metal Gear
Gene Belcher — Bob's Burgers

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.

About · Privacy Policy · Terms of Service