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Home › Baby Names Directory › Hugh

Hugh

♂ Boy

Pronounced HYOO /hjuː/High

Meaning: From the Old French Hugues, from Old High German Hugo or Hug, meaning 'heart,' 'mind,' or 'spirit'; a name of Germanic nobility brought to England by the NormansHigh

In 30 seconds: Hugh is a crisp, one-syllable name with deep Norman heritage meaning 'heart' or 'mind.' Aristocratic without being stuffy, it carries the quiet confidence of a name that has been borne by saints, kings, and Hollywood legends alike.
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Origin HighOld French, Old High German
MeaningFrom the Old French Hugues, from Old High German Hugo or Hug, meaning 'heart,' 'mind,' or 'spirit'; a name of Germanic nobility brought to England by the Normans
U.S. rank (2025)#732 ↗ Rising
2025 U.S. births360 boys (0.02% of U.S. boys)
Peak year1916
Total births (all-time)≈ 83,826

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 191618802025

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

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Hugh entered England with the Norman Conquest of 1066, from the Old French Hugues, derived from Old High German Hug meaning 'heart' or 'spirit.' It was extremely popular in medieval England and France among the nobility. Saint Hugh of Lincoln was one of the most beloved English saints of the 12th century.

Hugh declined somewhat in the 20th century but has maintained a quiet, distinguished presence. It remains more common in Ireland and Scotland, where it also anglicizes the Gaelic Aodh (meaning 'fire'). Actors Hugh Jackman and Hugh Grant have kept the name in the cultural spotlight.

Did you know? Hugh was one of the most common names among medieval Norman nobles in England. Hugh de Lusignan, Hugh Capet (founder of the Capetian dynasty of France), and Saint Hugh of Lincoln are among its most distinguished historical bearers — making Hugh arguably the quintessential Norman name.
Overall data confidence 92%
Behind the Name — Hugh — etymology and historyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

HugoHugues

Nicknames

Huey

Famous Bearers

  • ★Hugh Jackman (1968–present)
    Australian actor known for playing Wolverine in the X-Men franchise.
  • ★Hugh Grant (1960–present)
    British actor known for romantic comedies including Four Weddings and a Funeral.

If you like Hugh…

Hugo— the Latin/Germanic form of the same name sharing the identical meaning and heritage
Rory— shares the short, strong Celtic-influenced name energy and the same aristocratic ease
Ian— fellow crisp one-syllable British classic with the same understated noble quality
Clive— parallel one-syllable English classic with the same quiet distinguished personality

Explore names like Hugh

By themeclassicgermanone-syllablemedievalnormanaristocratic
By meaningRoyal / Noble

All themes →All meanings →All origins →

Frequently Asked

What does the name Hugh mean?

Hugh means 'heart,' 'mind,' or 'spirit' from Old High German Hug. It was brought to England by the Normans after 1066.

How do you pronounce Hugh?

Hugh is pronounced HYOO /hjuː/ — one syllable.

Is Hugh related to Hugo?

Yes, Hugh and Hugo are related forms of the same Old Germanic name meaning 'heart/spirit.' Hugo is the Latin form; Hugh is the English/French form.

Is Hugh a popular name today?

Hugh is steady but not extremely common in the U.S., valued for its crisp, distinguished one-syllable quality. It is more popular in Ireland and Scotland.

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