Active discussions

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Baby names

Find baby name inspiration and advice on the Mumsnet Baby Names forum.

Original poster

How bad is the name Eugene?

109 replies

chinyu · 08/10/2026 10:29

Pregnant with my second, first boy. My daughter also has a traditionally “old lady” name. Husband and I have fought for months over boy names and this one is in our top three.

I know people find it nerdy but I find it cute. Just how bad is it? I can take it. 😆😩 I fear I’m not going to be able to name this kid until he’s earthside.

OP posts:
Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
Set a reminder
SourdoughSally · 08/10/2026 23:02

Horribly American.

Calliopespa · 08/10/2026 22:47

Mydogisagentleman · 08/10/2026 15:54

Urine

Yup. That's true. Definite urine vibes

Calliopespa · 08/10/2026 22:46

ginasevern · 08/10/2026 12:21

Yes, I really like it. I especially like Gene for short. I've known several Eugenes and they've all been of Irish descent. They were also rugged and handsome! It's in a class of its own really. Not common and not "old man".

Totally can't envisage rugged and handsome. To me it's the ultimate nerd name: Eugene/You Gen(ius).

That shouldn't ruin it, but somehow the sound is also like a squeaky fart.

I don't know why I dislike the sound so much as I love Eugenie.

Summerlovingtheraspberries · 08/10/2026 22:32

Eugene will forever be the total nerd in Grease. Awful name.

Giraffehaver · 08/10/2026 22:24

Makes me think of the Frank Zappa song. My uncle was a Zappa fan

Fakeplasticchimneyswhy · 08/10/2026 21:35

“Careful with that spliff, Eugene, it causes condensation” (credit to Half Man Half Biscuit)

I’ve got an ear worm now

Girliefriendlikespuppies · 08/10/2026 21:26

I like it.

Bananacrepewithnuts · 08/10/2026 21:05

It's a hard no from me.

And as a PP has said this is the name you are giving your child for life - you really shouldn't be asking randoms for their opinion.
You don't like it. Choose one of the other 500 boys names out there.

X

thicklysettled · 08/10/2026 20:55

Absolutely appalling. Don't do it!

AgentPidge · 08/10/2026 20:53

My neighbour is Eugene. He's elderly and has bad teeth and bandy legs but is a nice guy, so it's not all bad. Also, Eugenics. Gene is OK but I'd hear it as Jean. So all in all, no.

OldieButBaddie · 08/10/2026 20:50

The only Eugene I met was Eugene Cheese (comedy bloke) but his name was actually Paul

I am not a huge fan

SequinsandSlippers · 08/10/2026 20:50

Just call him Gene

readingmakesmehappy · 08/10/2026 20:46

It makes me think of that scene in Grease where they all take the piss out of Eugene.

pinkdyno · 08/10/2026 20:46

Why fear that? Surely it’s good to look At the baby before naming them.

IDontCareWhatMyUsernameIs · 08/10/2026 20:45

I am surprised to find that, on reflection, I kinda like it!

NormasArse · 08/10/2026 20:45

Gengha · 08/10/2026 10:39

I think Gene is not too bad but Eugene is terrible

I think the opposite! 😁

Purplecatshopaholic · 08/10/2026 20:44

AllPlayedOut · 08/10/2026 10:49

It’s an incredibly ugly name.

Agree. Awful.

Sunbringer · 08/10/2026 20:42

Just makes me think of a nerd being bullied on American cartoons.

arlequin · 08/10/2026 20:33

Eugene from Grease!

CherryKerry · 08/10/2026 20:17

For people in UK I think it's too close to Eugenie due to the Royal connection and he'll be mistaken for a girl.

The only time I've come across the name was in The Walking Dead and the character was a bit of an odd bod.

Also a bit too rhymy if Eugene and Jean spot each other over the street "Eugene 👋, Hygiene👋"

fivetriangulartrees · 08/10/2026 20:14

I don't associate it with pasty faced nerds or old Jewish men or middle aged Catholics. Both the Eugenes I know are in their late 20s and Black.

Daffodilsinthespring · 08/10/2026 20:12

Well it’s a thousand times better than Archie, Teddy, Alfie, Freddie etc.

SwedishEdith · 08/10/2026 19:55

I just automatically think "Too bad, Eugene!".

Gene is cool though.

beeble347 · 08/10/2026 19:51

I actually knew a really handsome Eugene at uni and I think Gene is a cool NN. But I guess we can't predict how our kids are going to turn out 😬 might make things worse for a child that's having difficulties in other areas is my point.

Newsenmum · 08/10/2026 19:46

Seaside3 · 08/10/2026 10:31

I like it. But then I like Eugene levy.

This. All this,