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Hugo

♂ Boy

Pronounced HYOO-goh /ˈhjuː.ɡoʊ/High

Meaning: From the Germanic element hug meaning mind, intellect, or spiritHigh

In 30 seconds: Hugo is a dashing, pan-European name meaning 'mind' or 'spirit' that has powered centuries of literary and artistic genius — and is now one of the fastest-rising boys' names in the English-speaking world.
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Origin HighGermanic
MeaningFrom the Germanic element hug meaning mind, intellect, or spirit
U.S. rank (2025)#378 ↗ Rising
2025 U.S. births837 boys (0.05% of U.S. boys)
Peak year2025
Total births (all-time)≈ 37,475

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 202518802025

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Hugo derives from the Old High German element hug meaning mind, heart, or spirit. The Latinized form gained wide use in medieval Europe among clergy and nobility.

Hugo has been the name of popes, emperors, and writers most famously Victor Hugo, whose novels shaped world literature. In recent years it has surged in the U.S., UK, Australia, and across Latin America.

Did you know? Hugo is the Latinized form of Hugh and inspired the name of the Hugo Awards, science fiction's most prestigious prize, named after pulp pioneer Hugo Gernsback.
Overall data confidence 95%
Behind the Name — Hugo — etymology and historyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

HughHuguesUgo

Nicknames

Hugie

Famous Bearers

  • ★Victor Hugo (1802–1885)
    French poet and novelist, author of Les Misérables and The Hunchback of Notre-Dame.
  • ★Hugo Gernsback (1884–1967)
    American publisher and inventor, founder of Amazing Stories; the Hugo Awards are named in his honor.

If you like Hugo…

Otto— shares the punchy Germanic vintage feel with a pan-European appeal
Felix— Latin-rooted two-syllable classic with the same upbeat, intellectual vibe
Leon— strong vintage short name riding the same revival wave
Jasper— shares the artsy, slightly eccentric vintage-cool energy

Frequently Asked

What does the name Hugo mean?

Hugo comes from the Germanic element hug meaning mind, intellect, or spirit.

How do you pronounce Hugo?

It is said HYOO-goh /ˈhjuː.ɡoʊ/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Hugo old-fashioned or modern?

Hugo is a vintage name enjoying a strong modern revival; it feels both classic and fresh.

How popular is Hugo?

Hugo has risen rapidly in the U.S. and is very popular in the UK, Australia, and across Europe and Latin America.