A 1880s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Hugh since 1880
Babies named Hugh per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1916, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Hugh's real moment was 1887.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 2,355 |
| 1890s | 2,405 |
| 1900s | 2,176 |
| 1910s | 10,201 |
| 1920s | 14,106 |
| 1930s | 11,700 |
| 1940s | 10,998 |
| 1950s | 9,697 |
| 1960s | 6,783 |
| 1970s | 3,177 |
| 1980s | 2,075 |
| 1990s | 1,791 |
| 2000s | 1,887 |
| 2010s | 2,479 |
| 2020s | 1,995 |
Meaning & origin
Hugh has been in use since at least 1880, the earliest year of Social Security data. Its highest rank was in 1887, and it has been steadily rising since 1993, appealing to parents seeking a strong yet simple classic. Today, approximately 1 in 4,745 boys receives the name, a rarity that lends it distinction. The name has been particularly favored in Alabama, Massachusetts, and Mississippi, reflecting a blend of Southern and New England traditions. Its Germanic roots and Norman heritage provide a solid historical foundation.
Hugh derives from the Old High German name Hugu, meaning 'mind', 'heart', or 'spirit'. It was introduced to England by Normans after the Conquest, where it became a common name. The Latinized form Hugo also influenced its spread, and it has remained a traditional name in English-speaking countries.
Where Hugh is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Hugh” around the world
Where Hugh lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
Ireland
27
babies in 2025
New Zealand
13
babies in 2025
Sources: CSO Ireland (Ireland) · NZ Dept of Internal Affairs (New Zealand).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Hughie
Variants: Hew, Hugo
Sibling names for Hugh
Names that share Hugh's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Alice, Clara, Eleanor, Grace, Martha, Della, Faye, Myra, Alta, Lona, Myrtis, Nelle, Nona, Oma, Ora, Rue, Audria, Cicely, Elvie, Ena, Etha, Euna, Oneta, Ula, Veta, Aliene, Ame, Ardeth, Daphane, Dola, Elese, Fayette, Maree, Omie, Orma, Pluma, Roe, Suella, Ura, Dura, Geniva, Glynda, Hawley, Iretta, Linn, Rosslyn, Clytee, Oza, Charl, Clova, Creta, Dula, Eulla, Fayne, Nary, Nel
Brothers: Edmund, Leo, Oscar, Ralph, Walter, Aleck, Blaise, Chet, Lambert, Aldon, Clive, Colon, Cord, Foy, Giles, Hurley, Kemp, Macon, Beauford, Burr, Cline, Dow, Duard, Ewing, Garlan, Gleen, Holmes, Kern, Lisle, Loney, Lum, Lysle, Neale, Raymund, Wess, Birt, Clance, Crespin, Doak, Fitzhugh, Gill, Granvil, Hamp, Irl, Klyde, Laymon, Less, Tel, Vere, Allin, Balian, Chrys, Clester, Coyt, Dare, Gilliam, Guerry, Lott, Lovel, Newel, Osby, Pratt, Raun, Read, Rosser
Names like Hugh
Names whose popularity has moved with Hugh's over the last 50 years.
