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NamyLab

Hugh

male
Updated 7 months ago

Meaning

"Mind; Spirit"

From Germanic elements meaning mind or spirit, introduced to England through Norman usage and remaining a classic name.

Themes:germanicnormanclassicmeaningful

Fact-checked by Dr. Elena Vasquez

Ph.D. Medieval History, StanfordPublished Academic ResearcherHistory Professor (Adjunct)Historical Names Consultant

This name has been verified against authoritative sources including SSA data, etymology databases, and cultural naming traditions.

Popularity History of Hugh

Full SSA rank history from 1880 to 2024

#763Top 1000

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Yearly Ranking Snapshot

Pick any SSA release year to inspect that year's national ranking and how it changed from the year before.

Selected Year Rank
#763

Hugh was nationally ranked in 2024.

Change Vs Previous Year
+21

better than 2023

Data Source

Popularity rankings are based on official data from the Social Security Administration (SSA), which tracks baby name applications in the United States.

Last updated: 2024 • Data source updated annually

Hugh Nicknames

Familiar short forms, playful variations, and easy everyday options for Hugh.

11 ideas
Huey
Nickname
hugh
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hughie
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hughy
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hugy
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hugho
Nickname
hu
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hie
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hy
Nickname
hhie
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HU
Nickname

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What does the name Hugh mean?
Hugh means "Mind; Spirit". From Germanic elements meaning mind or spirit, introduced to England through Norman usage and remaining a classic name.
What is the origin of Hugh?
Hugh is of Germanic origin. The name has been used historically across cultures and carries significant cultural meaning within its origin tradition.
How popular is the name Hugh?
According to the latest SSA data, Hugh is currently ranked #763 in the United States. The name has shown interesting trends over the past century, with popularity varying based on cultural preferences and naming trends.
Is Hugh a boy name?
Hugh is traditionally a boy name. However, modern naming practices are increasingly flexible, and names can be used across genders based on personal preference.
What are good nicknames for Hugh?
Popular nicknames for Hugh include Huey, hugh, hughie, hughy, and more. These offer shorter, more casual alternatives for everyday use.
What names are similar to Hugh?
There are many names similar to Hugh in meaning, origin, or sound. Explore the Similar Names section to discover alternatives that may resonate with you.

Quick Facts

OriginGermanic, English
Syllables1
Length4 letters
US Rank#763
Trend↑ Rising
Starts withH

Explore More Boy Names Like Hugh

Hugh has Germanic roots, making it a wonderful choice if you love names from this heritage. Discover more options in our Germanic baby names collection, where you'll find hundreds of names with similar cultural depth.

Hugh appears in several of our curated collections. Check out Traditional English Names and Names That Mean Miracle And Blessing for Boys and Girls for more names with a similar feel. You might also enjoy browsing Names That Mean Travel And Adventure for Boys and Girls and German Baby Names.

Before you decide, try our Full Name Preview to see how Hugh pairs with your surname. The Sibling Name Matcher can help find names that complement Hugh beautifully, and the Nickname Predictor reveals the most common short forms.

Explore our full baby name lists for origin-based, meaning-based, and themed collections, or head back to the baby name generator to continue your search.