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Hugh Boy

Popularity: #608 · Trend: ↗ Rising

Origin(s)

PronunciationHugh / /hjuː/

Old French; Germanic

Meaning

Old French: heart; Germanic: mind, spirit

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Hugh originates from the Old French name "Hugues," which itself is derived from the Germanic name "Hug", meaning "heart," "mind," or "spirit." This Germanic root is found in elements such as "hug" or "hugon," which convey notions of thoughtfulness and intelligence. The name made its way into English following the Norman Conquest of 1066, when many Norman names were adopted into the English language, leading to the establishment of Hugh as a common name in medieval England.

Historically, the name Hugh has been borne by several notable figures, including Hugh of Lincoln, a 12th-century saint and martyr whose life inspired the legend of the "Little Saint Hugh." His story was popularized in various medieval texts, contributing to the name's prominence during the Middle Ages. Additionally, Hugh was the name of several English monarchs, including Hugh Capet, the first King of the Franks from the Capetian dynasty in the late 10th century, which further solidified its status in European history. The name also appears in the King James Bible, where it is associated with various figures, although not directly as a name.

Culturally, the name Hugh has been associated with nobility and leadership, often linked to qualities of wisdom and strength. The name has seen various diminutive forms, such as "Hughie," which have been used affectionately in different contexts. The enduring legacy of the name Hugh can be seen in its continued use across various cultures and languages, often symbolizing a connection to historical figures of significance and the virtues they embodied.

Trend Summary

Hugh has seen fluctuating popularity in the United States, with a notable decline in recent decades.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Hughie
  • Hugo

International Variants

  • Hugo (Spanish)
  • Hugues (French)
  • Hugo (Portuguese)

Famous people named Hugh

Hugh Jackman is an actor best known for Les Misérables, The Greatest Showman, and the X-Men series.

Hugh Grant is an actor best known for Four Weddings and a Funeral, Notting Hill, and Love Actually.

Hugh Laurie is an actor and musician best known for House, Blackadder, and The Night Manager.

Hugh Dancy is an actor best known for Hannibal, Confessions of a Shopaholic, and The Path.

Hugh Masekela is a musician best known for Grazing in the Grass, Stimela, and his contributions to jazz music.

Fictional characters named Hugh

Hugh Apiston is a fictional character from the novel The Secret History by Donna Tartt. He is a member of a close-knit group of students at a liberal arts college who become involved in a murder.

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Hugh was first seen in the United States in 1880. Hugh has ranked as high as #224 nationally, which occurred in 1916, and has been most popular in New York, Georgia, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and Tennessee. In the past 5 years the name Hugh has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Hugh (2024)

StateBirthsShare
IL 17
6%
TX 16
6%
CA 16
6%
NY 15
5%
NC 14
5%
OH 14
5%
WI 14
5%
WA 13
5%
PA 13
5%
MN 12
4%
TN 12
4%
VA 12
4%
MA 10
4%
MI 9
3%
MO 8
3%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
1880224
1881219
1882239
1883215
1884246
1885257
1886227
1887250
1888253
1889225
1890219
1891233
1892265
1893241
1894269
1895243
1896263
1897213
1898250
1899209
1900290
1901192
1902217
1903193
1904202
1905200
1906195
1907212
1908215
1909260
1910279
1911307
1912648
1913754
1914967
19151,318
19161,619
19171,403
19181,489
19191,417
19201,489
19211,485
19221,441
19231,412
19241,541
19251,386
19261,393
19271,357
19281,374
19291,229
19301,342
19311,326
19321,320
19331,118
19341,187
19351,142
19361,074
19371,070
19381,121
1939999
19401,060
19411,083
19421,254
19431,206
19441,064
1945961
19461,088
19471,201
19481,039
19491,042
1950959
19511,024
1952977
1953959
1954943
1955896
1956958
1957967
19581,031
1959983
1960904
1961872
1962814
1963794
1964722
1965656
1966566
1967502
1968494
1969460
1970486
1971435
1972402
1973299
1974294
1975280
1976242
1977262
1978241
1979237
1980227
1981210
1982230
1983198
1984200
1985224
1986191
1987199
1988186
1989210
1990193
1991176
1992161
1993142
1994168
1995175
1996193
1997202
1998203
1999178
2000171
2001187
2002191
2003194
2004184
2005182
2006184
2007200
2008195
2009199
2010206
2011210
2012220
2013227
2014255
2015265
2016264
2017264
2018281
2019287
2020324
2021343
2022312
2023323
2024332