From G2095 (eu, well) and G1096 (ginomai, to become). Literally 'well-born.' Used both literally (of nobility) and figuratively (noble character, open-mindedness).
Eugenēs achieves its most famous use in Acts 17:11, where the Bereans are called 'more noble' because they 'searched the scriptures daily.' Nobility is redefined: not bloodline but intellectual honesty. Paul subverts it in 1 Corinthians 1:26 — 'not many noble are called.' True nobility is willingness to hear and obey.