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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.

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Mydogisagentleman · 08/10/2026 15:54

Urine

Shouldgivethisup · 08/10/2026 15:59

Have you heard ‘Careful with that axe, Eugene’. By Pink Floyd. Give it a spin and then decide

CloudyWithAChanceOfCustard · 08/10/2026 16:02

Would entirely depend on the child/man…they’d have to be able to carry it really well.

I actually don’t hate it, because I know a brilliantly cool older man with this name. It would be different, I suspect, if my only frame of reference were the Eugene from Grease.

momtoboys · 08/10/2026 16:09

I like it!

Marmite27 · 08/10/2026 16:11

I know one in his late 30’s/early 40’s and one who’s 11. It doesn’t stand out as unusual to me.

Both Catholic, as I think about it, but different demographics/countries.

HugoThatway · 08/10/2026 16:29

Eugene in Grease
Princess Eugenie
Eugenics

Three reasons why not to use it.
(I've nothing against Princess Eugenie but not keen on the name)

Pieceofpurplesky · 08/10/2026 16:30

Walking Dead.
it's not a strong sounding name

DemBonesDemBones · 08/10/2026 16:31

I absolutely love it, it was on my list but unfortunately Tangled came out when I was pregnant so I couldn’t! You totally could now! Gene as a nickname is gorgeous.

Firsttimebabymummy · 08/10/2026 19:44

I like it! Due a boy soon too (this isn't on my list though). I think of walking dead / tangled. Not in a bad way.

Newsenmum · 08/10/2026 19:46

Seaside3 · 08/10/2026 10:31

I like it. But then I like Eugene levy.

This. All this,

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.

SwedishEdith · 08/10/2026 19:55

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

Gene is cool though.

Daffodilsinthespring · 08/10/2026 20:12

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

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.

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👋"

arlequin · 08/10/2026 20:33

Eugene from Grease!

Sunbringer · 08/10/2026 20:42

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

Purplecatshopaholic · 08/10/2026 20:44

AllPlayedOut · 08/10/2026 10:49

It’s an incredibly ugly name.

Agree. Awful.

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! 😁

IDontCareWhatMyUsernameIs · 08/10/2026 20:45

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

pinkdyno · 08/10/2026 20:46

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

readingmakesmehappy · 08/10/2026 20:46

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

SequinsandSlippers · 08/10/2026 20:50

Just call him Gene

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

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.

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