Eureka
Primarily a girl's name of Greek origin with 855 recorded births. Also given to 5 boys.
Meaning & Origin
A locality in the Byron council area, north-eastern New South Wales, Australia.
Eureka is a girl's and boy's baby name of Greek origin, from the exclamation 'heureka,' meaning 'I have found it.' The word was famously attributed to Archimedes upon discovering the principle of water displacement — making this one of the most intellectually charged names in history.
Used as a given name primarily in the nineteenth century, Eureka carries an exuberant, triumphant spirit. California adopted it as the state motto, and the Gold Rush city of Eureka still bears the name today. Bold parents seeking a name that announces discovery and joy will find this one unforgettable.
EtymologyShow more
Eureka is built from 6 letters and three syllables — a mid-length form that balances memorability with distinctiveness. Within the Greek naming tradition, this length is typical of names that preserve their full historical form, carrying their etymology on the surface.
The interplay of consonants and vowels in Eureka creates its characteristic open, warm quality. Multi-syllable names often carry remnants of compound constructions — two or more meaningful elements fused together — even when the original components are no longer transparent to modern speakers.
At a Glance
Popularity Over Time
Eureka has 45+ years of history in the U.S., first appearing in 1913.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| 2020s | 13 | ▲ |
| 2010s | 7 | ▼ |
| 1990s | 102 | ▼ |
| 1980s | 208 | ▼ |
| 1970s | 375 | ▲ |
| 1960s | 103 | ▲ |
| 1950s | 5 | ▼ |
| 1920s | 19 | ▼ |
| 1910s | 23 | — |
The Story of Eureka
A Gen X name
Peaking in 1974, Eureka is a Gen X staple. Girls named Eureka are most likely born between 1964 and 1984.
How rare is Eureka?
With 855 total births on record, Eureka remains a rare and distinctive pick.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 1913, gained momentum through the mid-century, peaked in the 1970s with 375 births that decade, and has since become a rare, vintage choice.
Eureka by the numbers
- Would fill 18 school buses
- Meeting one Eureka per day would take 2.3 years
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(45 years, 1913–2022)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 7 | #12647 |
| 2020 | 6 | #13968 |
| 2017 | 7 | #13151 |
| 1999 | 5 | #15166 |
| 1995 | 7 | #10874 |
| 1994 | 19 | #5091 |
| 1993 | 8 | #9865 |
| 1992 | 17 | #5556 |
| 1991 | 18 | #5247 |
| 1990 | 28 | #3740 |
| 1989 | 17 | #5116 |
| 1988 | 12 | #6392 |
| 1987 | 24 | #3657 |
| 1986 | 21 | #3925 |
| 1985 | 16 | #4696 |
| 1984 | 17 | #4377 |
| 1983 | 15 | #4737 |
| 1982 | 24 | #3446 |
| 1981 | 31 | #2870 |
| 1980 | 31 | #2889 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Eureka as a Boy's Name
While overwhelmingly a girl's name, Eureka has also been given to 5 boys in the U.S. since 1978.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Eureka a boy's or girl's name?
When was Eureka most popular?
How popular is the name Eureka?
Can Eureka be used for both boys and girls?
Explore More
Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 1913–2022