March Fong Eu
California Secretary of State, U.S. Ambassador to Micronesia
March Fong Eu (March 29, 1928 – December 4, 2016) was a pioneering Chinese-American politician who achieved significant firsts in California politics. Born in Oakdale, California, to Chinese immigrant parents, Eu earned her undergraduate degree from UC Berkeley and a master's degree in public health from Berkeley, becoming fluent in multiple languages and deeply committed to public service. She served in the California State Assembly for several years before becoming the Secretary of State of California (1975-1994), making her one of the highest-ranking Asian-American women in state government at that time. Her tenure as Secretary of State was marked by advocacy for voter registration, women's rights, and community engagement. After leaving office, she served as U.S. Ambassador to Micronesia (1996-2001), continuing her work in diplomacy and international relations. Throughout her career, Eu was recognized as a trailblazer who challenged barriers based on gender and ethnicity in politics. She received numerous awards and accolades celebrating her contributions to public service and civil rights. Her legacy continues to inspire Asian-American politicians and women in public service.
Political Leader
American
1928
2016
Thinking about the name
March
English origin
“A unisex name drawn directly from the third month of the calendar, symbolizing new beginnings and the arrival of spring in the Northern Hemisphere. March carries a brisk, energetic quality and appeals to parents seeking nature-inspired or seasonal names that work equally well for any gender. The name evokes renewal, growth, and forward momentum.”