Origin and meaning of the name Eunice

Eunice is a female given name of Greek origin, derived from the Greek words "ευ" (eu) meaning "good" and "νίκη" (nikē) meaning "victory". It was first popularized by early Christians as a name for martyrs. In the New Testament, Eunice is mentioned as a convert to Christianity in Acts 16:3, the mother of Timothy. The name has been used in the English-speaking world since the Early Middle Ages.

Learn more about the origin of the name Eunice

The meaning, etymology, and origin of the name Eunice

The name Eunice is of Greek origin, derived from the words "eu" meaning good, well, or well-doing, and "nike" meaning victory. Combined, it signifies 'good victory' or 'well-victorious'. In Christian tradition, Saint Eunice is a revered figure, a martyr who died during Diocletian's persecution of Christians in the early 4th century. The name Eunice has been used for both males and females throughout history but is more commonly associated with females today. It gained popularity in the English-speaking world due to the influence of the Bible, where Eunice is mentioned as a woman converted by Saint Paul in Acts 19:1. Today, Eunice remains a common name, appreciated for its pleasant and triumphant meaning.

Character traits associated with the name Eunice

Eunice is often associated with qualities such as loyalty, kindness, and reliability. Named after the biblical figure who converted to Christianity, individuals named Eunice may embody these values by demonstrating deep devotion and commitment in their personal and professional lives. Eunices are known for their strong sense of duty, making them dependable friends and colleagues. They also tend to be caring and compassionate, showing a genuine concern for others' well-being. Additionally, they possess a natural ability to nurture those around them, whether it be through providing emotional support or helping others grow and develop. Overall, Eunice is a name that symbolizes strength, love, and commitment.

Popularity of the name Eunice

Eunice is a name of Greek origin, meaning "good fortune" or "well-born." Historically, it has been a popular name, particularly in English-speaking countries. In the United States, for instance, Eunice peaked in popularity during the early to mid-20th century, ranking within the top 100 most common names for girls born between 1925 and 1963. However, since then, its usage has declined significantly. As of recent data from the United States Social Security Administration, Eunice is no longer among the top 1000 most popular baby girl names. Nonetheless, it remains a name that some parents may consider for their child due to its historical significance and unique meaning.

Famous people with the name Eunice

Eunice Shriver (1921-2009) was an American author and founder of the Special Olympics. As the sister of President John F. Kennedy, she was part of one of America's most influential political families. Her book "The Immortal Game: Chess and Math in Darwin's World" showcased her passion for mathematics and history. Eunice Kennedy Shriver is widely recognized for her significant contributions to the inclusion and empowerment of individuals with intellectual disabilities through the Special Olympics, which she established in 1968.

Another notable figure named Eunice is Eunice Hilda Johnson (born 1945), an American gospel singer and civil rights activist who has been referred to as "The Mother of Black Gospel." Her powerful voice and soulful performances have earned her numerous accolades, including multiple Grammy Awards.

Eunice Goeser (1875-1963) was a Cherokee educator and philanthropist who devoted her life to preserving and promoting the culture of the Cherokee Nation. She founded the Cherokee National Historical Society, which aims to preserve Cherokee history and artifacts.

These remarkable women, Eunice Shriver, Eunice Johnson, and Eunice Goeser, have made significant contributions across various fields, leaving lasting impacts on their respective communities and beyond.

Variations of the name Eunice

Eunice is a traditional female given name with roots in Greek, derived from the word "eunousa" which means well-minded, good minded, or well-nurtured. The name has been popular across various cultures and periods, particularly in English-speaking countries. Variations of the name Eunice include Euniss, Eunys, Eunyce, Uniss, Unys, Unyce, Ynys, and Ynyce. These variations may arise from attempts to phonetically spell the name differently or through cultural adaptations. In some cases, these variants may have been used as diminutives or pet forms of Eunice, such as Nici, Nica, or Nicky. Despite these variations, the original form, Eunice, remains the most widely recognized and common version of this name.

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the first name "eunice"
• Global distribution of the first name on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 29 July 2025

Share the origin and meaning of your name with your friends