Hugh
Hugh is a boys' name of German origin meaning “mind, intellect, spirit.” It ranked #426 in the United States in 2025. From the Old High German Hug, meaning mind or spirit.
how do you pronounce Hugh?
HYOO
Hear it spoken aloud with our AI pronunciation tool.
what does Hugh mean?
The name Hugh means “mind, intellect, spirit.” It comes from the German language tradition.
From the Old High German Hug, 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?
| Year | Rank |
|---|---|
| 2024 | #426 |
| 2023 | #450 |
| 2022 | #475 |
| 2021 | #502 |
| 2020 | #531 |
Source: SSA National Baby Names Dataset
who are famous people named Hugh?
- Hugh Grant (actor)
- Hugh Jackman (actor)
- Hugh Laurie (actor)
what names are similar to Hugh?
Last reviewed April 30, 2026 · Curated by HushName editorial
love Hugh? get 10 more names curated for your family.
Popularity rankings and meanings are just the starting point. Our AI consultant finds names that match your heritage, style, and what matters most to you.
Completely free. No credit card required.
start free consultation