The name Eugene has its origins in the Greek language, derived from the Greek word "eugenes," meaning "well-born" or "noble." The earliest recorded use of the name dates back to the 4th century AD, when it was used for several early Christian saints and martyrs.

One of the most notable historical figures with the name Eugene was Eugene of Savoy (1663-1736), a renowned military commander and statesman who served as the Governor of the Habsburg Netherlands and the Imperial Commander-in-Chief of the Holy Roman Empire's armies. He played a pivotal role in the War of the Spanish Succession and is celebrated for his military victories against the Ottoman Empire.

Another prominent figure was Eugene Viollet-le-Duc (1814-1879), a French architect and author who was a leading figure in the Gothic Revival movement. He is famous for his restoration work on several historic buildings, including Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris.

In literature, the name Eugene appears in several notable works, such as Eugene Onegin, a novel in verse by Alexander Pushkin (1799-1837), which follows the life and experiences of a wealthy and jaded young man in 19th-century Russian society.

The name Eugene also has a strong connection to the Catholic Church, with several saints bearing the name, including St. Eugene of Carthage (5th century), a martyr during the Vandal persecution of Christians in North Africa, and St. Eugene de Mazenod (1782-1861), the founder of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate religious congregation.

Other notable figures with the name Eugene include Eugene Atget (1857-1927), a French photographer renowned for his documentation of the streets and architecture of Paris, and Eugene O'Neill (1888-1953), an American playwright and Nobel laureate who is considered one of the greatest dramatists of the 20th century.