Ugo

♂ Boy

Pronounced OO-goh /ˈuː.ɡoʊ/Medium

Meaning: The Italian form of Hugh, from the Germanic element hug, 'mind; heart; spirit'. A long-established Italian name, borne by the poet Ugo Foscolo. Separately, Ugo is also an Igbo name in Nigeria meaning 'eagle', a symbol of honour.Medium

In 30 seconds: Warm and compact: Ugo is Italy's Hugh, from a Germanic root meaning 'mind; spirit' (said 'OO-goh').

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Origin MediumItalian, Germanic

MeaningThe Italian form of Hugh, from the Germanic element hug, 'mind; heart; spirit'. A long-established Italian name, borne by the poet Ugo Foscolo. Separately, Ugo is also an Igbo name in Nigeria meaning 'eagle', a symbol of honour.

U.S. rank (2024)#14054 ↗ Rising

2024 U.S. births5 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year1921

Total births (all-time)≈ 312

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

Ugo is the Italian form of Hugh, drawn from the Germanic hug, 'mind; heart; spirit' — a name carried into Italy in the medieval centuries and worn by figures such as the poet Ugo Foscolo. In Nigeria the same spelling is an Igbo name meaning 'eagle', a mark of honour and distinction. Two settled traditions, one crisp sound (said 'OO-goh').

In the U.S. it appears only rarely, though it is well known in Italy and Nigeria. Rare here, classic elsewhere.

Did you know? Ugo is the Italian Hugh — and it goes back to a Germanic word for 'mind, heart, spirit'. It also stands on its own in Nigeria, where Ugo is an Igbo name meaning 'eagle', a bird of honour — two proud routes to one short name (said 'OO-goh').

Overall data confidence 60%

References — Ugo — Italian form of Hugh (Germanic hug, 'mind/spirit'); also Igbo 'eagle'

Variations

HugoHughUgo

Nicknames

UgiGo

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Ugo…

Hugo— the international form of the same name

Hugh— the English original

Enzo— a like short Italian pick

Aldo— a like two-beat Italian name

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Ugo mean?

Ugo is the Italian form of Hugh, from a Germanic root meaning 'mind; heart; spirit'. In Igbo, Ugo separately means 'eagle'.

How do you pronounce Ugo?

It's said OO-goh /ˈuː.ɡoʊ/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Ugo a boy or girl name?

Ugo is used as a boy's name.

How popular is Ugo?

Ugo is a rare name for boys in the U.S., though it is familiar in Italy and Nigeria.