Hugh Boy
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)
State | Births | Share |
---|---|---|
IL | 17 | |
TX | 16 | |
CA | 16 | |
NY | 15 | |
NC | 14 | |
OH | 14 | |
WI | 14 | |
WA | 13 | |
PA | 13 | |
MN | 12 | |
TN | 12 | |
VA | 12 | |
MA | 10 | |
MI | 9 | |
MO | 8 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
Year | Births |
---|---|
1880 | 224 |
1881 | 219 |
1882 | 239 |
1883 | 215 |
1884 | 246 |
1885 | 257 |
1886 | 227 |
1887 | 250 |
1888 | 253 |
1889 | 225 |
1890 | 219 |
1891 | 233 |
1892 | 265 |
1893 | 241 |
1894 | 269 |
1895 | 243 |
1896 | 263 |
1897 | 213 |
1898 | 250 |
1899 | 209 |
1900 | 290 |
1901 | 192 |
1902 | 217 |
1903 | 193 |
1904 | 202 |
1905 | 200 |
1906 | 195 |
1907 | 212 |
1908 | 215 |
1909 | 260 |
1910 | 279 |
1911 | 307 |
1912 | 648 |
1913 | 754 |
1914 | 967 |
1915 | 1,318 |
1916 | 1,619 |
1917 | 1,403 |
1918 | 1,489 |
1919 | 1,417 |
1920 | 1,489 |
1921 | 1,485 |
1922 | 1,441 |
1923 | 1,412 |
1924 | 1,541 |
1925 | 1,386 |
1926 | 1,393 |
1927 | 1,357 |
1928 | 1,374 |
1929 | 1,229 |
1930 | 1,342 |
1931 | 1,326 |
1932 | 1,320 |
1933 | 1,118 |
1934 | 1,187 |
1935 | 1,142 |
1936 | 1,074 |
1937 | 1,070 |
1938 | 1,121 |
1939 | 999 |
1940 | 1,060 |
1941 | 1,083 |
1942 | 1,254 |
1943 | 1,206 |
1944 | 1,064 |
1945 | 961 |
1946 | 1,088 |
1947 | 1,201 |
1948 | 1,039 |
1949 | 1,042 |
1950 | 959 |
1951 | 1,024 |
1952 | 977 |
1953 | 959 |
1954 | 943 |
1955 | 896 |
1956 | 958 |
1957 | 967 |
1958 | 1,031 |
1959 | 983 |
1960 | 904 |
1961 | 872 |
1962 | 814 |
1963 | 794 |
1964 | 722 |
1965 | 656 |
1966 | 566 |
1967 | 502 |
1968 | 494 |
1969 | 460 |
1970 | 486 |
1971 | 435 |
1972 | 402 |
1973 | 299 |
1974 | 294 |
1975 | 280 |
1976 | 242 |
1977 | 262 |
1978 | 241 |
1979 | 237 |
1980 | 227 |
1981 | 210 |
1982 | 230 |
1983 | 198 |
1984 | 200 |
1985 | 224 |
1986 | 191 |
1987 | 199 |
1988 | 186 |
1989 | 210 |
1990 | 193 |
1991 | 176 |
1992 | 161 |
1993 | 142 |
1994 | 168 |
1995 | 175 |
1996 | 193 |
1997 | 202 |
1998 | 203 |
1999 | 178 |
2000 | 171 |
2001 | 187 |
2002 | 191 |
2003 | 194 |
2004 | 184 |
2005 | 182 |
2006 | 184 |
2007 | 200 |
2008 | 195 |
2009 | 199 |
2010 | 206 |
2011 | 210 |
2012 | 220 |
2013 | 227 |
2014 | 255 |
2015 | 265 |
2016 | 264 |
2017 | 264 |
2018 | 281 |
2019 | 287 |
2020 | 324 |
2021 | 343 |
2022 | 312 |
2023 | 323 |
2024 | 332 |