Hugh
Hugh is a boys' name of German origin meaning “mind, intellect, spirit.” It ranked #732 in the United States in 2025. From the Old High German Hug, meaning mind or spirit.
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how do you pronounce Hugh?
HYOO
where does the name Hugh come from?
The English form of Hugues, the Old French form of Hugo, a short form of Germanic names built on an element meaning mind or spirit.
Brought to England by the Normans, it was enormously popular in medieval Europe, borne by saints, kings, and noblemen. It has a quiet, understated distinction.
how popular is this name?
Hugh has appeared in the US top 1,000 in 145 years since 1880, and fell outside it for 1. It peaked at #69 in 1887, and ranked #732 in 2025.
See the milestone years
| Year | Rank |
|---|---|
| 2025 | #732 |
| 2024 | #762 |
| 2023 | #782 |
| 2022 | #804 |
| 2021 | #742 |
| 2020 | #748 |
| 2019 | #799 |
| 2018 | #805 |
| 2017 | #837 |
| 2016 | #849 |
| 2010 | #961 |
| 2000 | #907 |
| 1990 | #736 |
| 1980 | #574 |
| 1970 | #368 |
| 1960 | #266 |
| 1950 | #206 |
| 1940 | #157 |
| 1930 | #131 |
| 1920 | #115 |
| 1910 | #112 |
| 1900 | #88 |
| 1890 | #80 |
| 1887 | #69 |
| 1880 | #71 |
Source: SSA National Baby Names Dataset (through 2025). Years absent from the table are years Hugh fell outside the top 1,000.
the history of Hugh
The Normans brought Hugh to England, as an aristocratic name and a saint's name, and as a short form of names like Hubert.
who are famous people named Hugh?
- Hugh Grant (actor)
- Hugh Jackman (actor)
- Hugh Laurie (actor)
what are the nicknames and variants of Hugh?
Variants around the world
what names are similar to Hugh?
what names go well with Hugh?
Sibling names that share Hugh's rhythm and register without echoing it too closely.
quick answers about Hugh
What does the name Hugh mean?
Hugh means “mind, intellect, spirit”.
What is the origin of the name Hugh?
Hugh comes from the German naming tradition. Related forms include Hugo and Hugues.
How popular is the name Hugh?
Hugh ranked #732 in the US in 2025, according to Social Security data. Its best year was 1887, at #69, and it has spent 145 years in the top 1,000 since 1880.
Is Hugh a boy or girl name?
Hugh is primarily a boys' name.
How do you pronounce Hugh?
Hugh is pronounced HYOO, with 1 syllable.
Last updated · Curated by HushName editorial
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