Hugh
Hugh: name meaning, origin and popularity
Pronunciation (IPA): /hjuː/
Meaning and origin of Hugh
Root meaning: “heart, mind”
- A male given name from the Germanic languages.
Etymology
From the Old French aristocratic and saint's name Hughe, brought to England by Normans, from a short form of Germanic names beginning with Proto-Germanic *hugiz (“heart, mind”), such as Hubert. Cognate with Old English hyġe (“mind, spirit, intellect”). More at high, how.
How popular is Hugh?
Since 1880, 354 girls and 83,825 boys in the U.S. have been named Hugh (0% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #2060 in 1911. Its highest rank for boys was #69 in 1887. In 2025 it ranked #732 for boys, with 360 babies given the name.
Names similar to Hugh
Names that start with the same letters, most popular first.
More Germanic boy names
Sibling name ideas for Hugh
Sister and brother names that share Hugh's Germanic roots and are still in the U.S. top 1,000.
Hugh FAQ
What does the name Hugh mean?
Hugh traces back to a root meaning "heart, mind". A male given name from the Germanic languages. From the Old French aristocratic and saint's name Hughe, brought to England by Normans, from a short form of Germanic names beginning with Proto-Germanic *hugiz (“heart, mind”), such as Hubert. Cognate with Old English hyġe (“mind, spirit, intellect”). More at high, how.
What is the origin of the name Hugh?
Hugh is listed as a name of Germanic origin.
How popular is the name Hugh?
Since 1880, 354 girls and 83,825 boys in the U.S. have been named Hugh (0% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #2060 in 1911. Its highest rank for boys was #69 in 1887. In 2025 it ranked #732 for boys, with 360 babies given the name.
Is Hugh a boy or girl name?
Hugh is mostly a boy name in the U.S.: 354 girls and 83,825 boys since 1880.
Popularity data: U.S. Social Security Administration baby name data, 1880–2025 (names given to 5+ babies per year). Origin and etymology text: Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.