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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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thicklysettled · 08/10/2026 20:55

Absolutely appalling. Don't do 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

Girliefriendlikespuppies · 08/10/2026 21:26

I like it.

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

Giraffehaver · 08/10/2026 22:24

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

Summerlovingtheraspberries · 08/10/2026 22:32

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

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.

Calliopespa · 08/10/2026 22:47

Mydogisagentleman · 08/10/2026 15:54

Urine

Yup. That's true. Definite urine vibes

SourdoughSally · 08/10/2026 23:02

Horribly American.

roshi42 · 08/10/2026 23:09

Quite like it, though I take on board people’s point about it working on someone quite cool more than someone a bit socially challenged!

Genie is a super cute nickname when very little.

Whoops75 · 08/10/2026 23:11

Awful, hard no!

Moveoverdarlin · 08/10/2026 23:12

I think of the Grease character, who was a bit of a loser, but I also think of Princess Eugenie, also not top of the popularity polls.

Wateredandfed · 08/10/2026 23:14

It's awful, dowdy and creepy. Sorry!

fluffydoglove · 08/10/2026 23:14

My late grandads name and my cousins .. I like it but when my mum suggested calling my ds Eugene I wasn’t brave enough

Lacey247 · 08/10/2026 23:18

I'm personally not keen, but saying that, I'm 34 years old and went to high school with a Eugene, he was very popular and nothing was ever said about his name. Noone seemed to think it was unusual. He was nicknamed Genie

Wimaway · 08/10/2026 23:21

It's quite fashionable

Aligirlbear · 08/10/2026 23:25

I know a Eugene but he has never used the name always been known by his middle name ( his parents decided to use the middle name and it stuck ) He dislikes Eugene intensely and hates it when it occasionally gets used in error I.e. at the GP surgery or a letter from a central mail out is addressed to Eugene.

EveryoneUsingOutro · 08/10/2026 23:30

God no. Makes me think of Redneck Americans “git the shotgun Eugene, we got us some hunting to do”

Awful. Especially if you’re in the UK. Just no.

MrsKateColumbo · 08/10/2026 23:33

fudgecat · 08/10/2026 11:09

Am I the only person who immediately thought of Eugene Tooms?

Haha not at all!
I dont like the "Ugeen" pronunciation but I like the more European ::'"eu- zhen"

user1492757084 · 09/10/2026 01:08

Hugh is handsome

LoserWinner · 09/10/2026 02:06

I had an uncle Eugene. He was generally called Euie (pronounced yoo-ee)?

Sparklinggreen · 09/10/2026 08:00

Not a fan of the name, but if you already have doubts about how bad it might be, then maybe take off your top 3?

stample · 09/10/2026 08:03

It feels like a nerdy name however have only known 2 in my lifetime, a 2 year old is is prob in his 20s now. And another in his early 40s but suits his name as he is quite quirky, indie, grungy if you get my drift

ChannelLightVessel · 09/10/2026 08:35

Cat2 is called Eugene (he came from the RSPCA with the name). We prefer to pronounce it the French way, with a soft g. Also known as Oozhee. I prefer Gene for a human (Gene Kelly) if I’m honest.

TheRealSmurfette · 09/10/2026 08:37

No