Hugo
Hugo is a boys' name of German origin meaning “mind, intellect.” It ranked #377 in the United States in 2025. Hugo derives from the Germanic 'hug' meaning 'mind' or 'spirit.'
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how do you pronounce Hugo?
HYOO-go
where does the name Hugo come from?
From a Germanic root meaning thought, mind or spirit, probably a short form of a compound name meaning something like bright of mind.
Victor Hugo, the French literary giant, is its most famous bearer. It has long been a top name in France and Spain and is now climbing in English-speaking countries.
how popular is this name?
Hugo has appeared in the US top 1,000 in 144 years since 1880, and fell outside it for 2. It peaked at #259 in 1890, and ranked #377 in 2025.
See the milestone years
| Year | Rank |
|---|---|
| 2025 | #377 |
| 2024 | #404 |
| 2023 | #415 |
| 2022 | #399 |
| 2021 | #437 |
| 2020 | #421 |
| 2019 | #462 |
| 2018 | #422 |
| 2017 | #416 |
| 2016 | #430 |
| 2010 | #440 |
| 2000 | #399 |
| 1990 | #416 |
| 1980 | #457 |
| 1970 | #639 |
| 1960 | #775 |
| 1950 | #893 |
| 1930 | #498 |
| 1920 | #479 |
| 1910 | #440 |
| 1900 | #477 |
| 1890 | #259 |
| 1880 | #350 |
Source: SSA National Baby Names Dataset (through 2025). Years absent from the table are years Hugo fell outside the top 1,000.
who are famous people named Hugo?
- Victor Hugo (French novelist, Les Miserables)
- Hugo Weaving (Australian actor)
- Hugo Boss (German fashion designer)
the history of Hugo
Its English form is Hugh and its Italian form Ugo.
what are the nicknames and variants of Hugo?
Variants around the world
what names are similar to Hugo?
what names go well with Hugo?
Sibling names that share Hugo's rhythm and register without echoing it too closely.
quick answers about Hugo
What does the name Hugo mean?
Hugo means “mind, intellect”.
What is the origin of the name Hugo?
Hugo comes from the German naming tradition. Related forms include Hugh and Ugo.
How popular is the name Hugo?
Hugo ranked #377 in the US in 2025, according to Social Security data. Its best year was 1890, at #259, and it has spent 144 years in the top 1,000 since 1880.
Is Hugo a boy or girl name?
Hugo is primarily a boys' name.
How do you pronounce Hugo?
Hugo is pronounced HYOO-go, with 2 syllables.
Last updated · Curated by HushName editorial
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