Of Greek origin.
The Greek name is “Ευγένιος” (Eugenios).
It derives from the word “εὐγενής ” (eugenes), meaning “well born”.
It is composed of the elements “εὖ ” (eu), meaning “good, well” and “γένος” (genes), meaning “race, stock, kin”.
Latin form was Eugenius and was the name of many saints and four popes.
There are many variants of the name in different countries and languages.
It was an uncommon name until Prince Eugene of Savoy, a French-born general, became famous serving as a statesman of the Holy Roman Empire and Arch-duchy of Austria and one of the most successful military commanders in European history.
Other forms of the name are Gene, Eugène, Yevgeny, Owen, Yvain, Owain.
Feminine form of the name is Eugenia.
Famous bearers are Eugene O’Neill, Eugène Ionesco, Eugène Delacroix, Eugene Wilson, Eugene Lee Yang, Eugene Louis “Gore” Vidal, Eugene Hutz, Eugene Wigner, Eugene Amano, Eugene Byrd, Eugene Levy.
Eugene O’Neill was one of the greatest American playwrights ever.
He “introduced phycological and social realism to the American stage”. Some of his works are considered cornerstone plays of theater’s history worldwide. “Long Day’s Journey Into Night”, “Desire Under the Elms”, “Strange Interlude”.
In the following short video you may find out more about Eugene O’Neill’s life and work: