Find out how popular the first name Gene has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Gene by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Gene is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 97% of people named Gene being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 75 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Gene.

The history of the first name Gene

The given name Gene is derived from the Greek word "genos," which means "race" or "family." This name has its roots in ancient Greek culture, dating back to the classical period.

In ancient Greek mythology, the word "genos" was often used to refer to the lineage or descent of gods and heroes. It held significant meaning in the context of genealogy and ancestry.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Gene can be found in the works of the ancient Greek philosopher Plato, who lived from 428 BC to 348 BC. He used the term "genos" frequently in his writings, particularly in discussions about the nature of humanity and the idea of the "ideal society."

During the Byzantine era, the name Gene began to gain popularity as a personal name, particularly among the ruling classes and nobility. It was seen as a name that conveyed a sense of nobility and connection to one's ancestral roots.

One notable historical figure with the name Gene was Gennadius I, who served as the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople from 458 to 471 AD. He played a significant role in the development of the Eastern Orthodox Church and its theological doctrines.

In the Middle Ages, the name Gene continued to be used across various European regions, particularly in areas influenced by Greek culture and the Eastern Orthodox tradition. During this time, it was often associated with scholars and intellectuals who studied ancient Greek texts and philosophy.

One famous bearer of the name Gene was Genesius of Rome, a legendary Christian saint who lived in the 3rd century AD. According to tradition, he was a comedian who mocked Christianity on stage but later converted and was martyred for his newfound faith.

In the Renaissance period, the name Gene experienced a resurgence in popularity, especially among the humanist scholars who revived the study of classical Greek and Roman literature. One notable figure from this era was Genesius of Constantinople (1210-1279), a renowned scholar and theologian who played a significant role in the Eastern Orthodox Church.

As the name Gene spread across Europe, it also found its way into other cultures and languages. In French, for example, it took the form of "Gène," while in Italian, it became "Geno."

Throughout history, several other notable individuals have borne the name Gene, including Gene Stratton-Porter (1863-1924), an American novelist and naturalist known for her works such as "Freckles" and "A Girl of the Limberlost"; Gene Kelly (1912-1996), the legendary American actor, dancer, and choreographer; and Gene Roddenberry (1921-1991), the creator of the iconic science fiction series "Star Trek."

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Gene was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Gene, please contact us.

Reference this page

We spend a lot of resources downloading, cleaning, merging, and formatting the data that is shown on the site.

If you found the data or information on this page useful in your research, please use the tool below to properly cite or reference Name Census as the source. We appreciate your support!