Hugh: Meaning, origin and popularity
Pronounced HYOO · 1 syllable
Hugh means “heart, mind; mind, spirit, intellect”, from Germanic and French.
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 hyge (“mind, spirit, intellect”). More at high, how.
- Meaning
- heart, mind; mind, spirit, intellect
- Origin
- Germanic, French
- Pronunciation
- HYOO
- US rank (2025)
- #732
- US babies a year
- about 337 (2021–2025)
- Peak
- around 1880
- Style
- Vintage, Comeback, Rising
How popular is Hugh?
Hugh was the #732 name in the US in 2025, given to 360 babies. It’s rising: up 42% on 2011–2015. It peaked around 1880.
Around the world
| Country | Rank |
|---|---|
| United States | #732 |
| England & Wales | #384 |
| Scotland | #278 |
| Northern Ireland | #159 |
| Ireland | #178 |
| Canada | #501 |
| Australia | #124 |
How old are people named Hugh?
Half of US adults named Hugh are older than 66; most are between 25 and 88. (Estimated from US births by year and life tables.)
Sibling names for Hugh
Names that real brothers and sisters of people named Hugh have, from family records on Wikidata, most common first.
Names like Hugh
Chosen by the same families or with a similar style and era.
On these lists
Questions about Hugh
What does the name Hugh mean?
Hugh means “heart, mind; mind, spirit, intellect”. It comes from Germanic and French.
How do you pronounce Hugh?
Hugh is pronounced HYOO.
How popular is the name Hugh?
Hugh was the #732 name in the US in 2025, given to 360 babies. It’s rising: up 42% on 2011–2015. It peaked around 1880.
How old are people named Hugh?
Half of US adults named Hugh are older than 66. Most are between 25 and 88.