Rising since 1985, #377 for boys today.
Popularity of Hugo since 1880
Babies named Hugo per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 277 |
| 1890s | 311 |
| 1900s | 251 |
| 1910s | 1,412 |
| 1920s | 1,543 |
| 1930s | 812 |
| 1940s | 529 |
| 1950s | 794 |
| 1960s | 1,198 |
| 1970s | 2,271 |
| 1980s | 3,732 |
| 1990s | 5,611 |
| 2000s | 7,324 |
| 2010s | 6,787 |
| 2020s | 4,630 |
Meaning & origin
Hugo is a classic Germanic name meaning 'mind' or 'spirit', with a long history across Europe. In the United States, it first appeared in records in 1880 and has seen a steady resurgence in recent decades. Currently ranked 377th (2025), it is given to about 1 in 2,041 boys. Its popularity has been rising since 1985, and it reached its peak rank in 2025. Hugo is most popular in Washington, New Hampshire, and Nevada, reflecting a niche but growing appeal. The name's strong, concise sound and international flair make it a stylish choice for modern parents.
Hugo derives from the Germanic element 'hug' meaning 'mind, intellect, spirit'. It is the Latinized form of the Old German name 'Hug' and was brought to England by the Normans. The name has been used throughout Europe, particularly in France, Germany, and Scandinavia, and has been a classic given name since the Middle Ages.
Where Hugo 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.
“Hugo” around the world
Where Hugo lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
#24
in 2024
Ireland
#42
in 2025
New Zealand
#22
in 2025
Quebec
60
babies in 2025
Australia (NSW)
#18
in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland) · NZ Dept of Internal Affairs (New Zealand) · Retraite Québec (Quebec) · NSW Registry of BDM (Australia (NSW)).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Hughie, Huey
Sibling names for Hugo
Names that share Hugo's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Emma, Lea, Lena, Mila, Stella, Ada, Adele, Adelle, Amelie, Avis, Berta, Bertina, Cecile, Cecilia, Celine, Clementine, Cora, Dora, Eloise, Erna, Estel, Frida, Genia, Gilda, Gisele, Hilma, Irma, Karla, Leona, Lucinda, Lulu, Margo, Marin, Mathilda, Meta, Nilda, Nola, Ofelia, Ona, Palma, Penelope, Rita, Sabine, Tressa, Vera, Viola, Vivien, Winona, Alda, Alida, Alix, Alysse, Arlet, Coralie, Elza, Enola, Hermine, Hertha, Ilda, Illa, Joya, Jule, Klara, Madelon, Minna, Nelida, Nella, Oda, Otilia, Romy, Roseline, Sula, Tilda, Tula, Valda, Viva, Zelie, Zetta, Adra, Ambre, Carola, Charlet, Equilla, Gaelle, Inda, Joli, Letta, Levina, Lore, Loula, Loura, Lova, Lysette, Maela, Maelle, Manon, Marea, Mora, Netta, Odetta, Olivette, Otila, Ottilia, Ottilie, Roselind, Solene, Sonna, Syliva, Trilby, Valli, Vila, Amelda, Anique, Effa, Elsi, Ernesta, Exa, Grisel, Hedy, Hiedi, Ilyse, Lillah, Lucillie, Lydie, Marga, Myna, Norie, Othelia, Romey, Slyvia, Teckla, Tessia, Varina, Venia, Ameli, Anselma, Arlowe, Catha, Cella, Clovia, Elga, Geneive, Henchy, Ineze, Itha, Lavra, Madolin, Marijke, Marinette, Naelle, Omah, Prue, Ritta, Roda, Rosea, Sybel, Telma, Truda, Uva, Vandella
Brothers: Felix, Leo, Max, Oscar, Theo, Alphonse, Casper, Conrad, Drexel, Eduard, Elmo, Erwin, Evert, Jonatan, Jules, Kaiser, Linus, Otis, Otto, Remy, Rigo, Rupert, Vincent, Ansel, Arno, Augustin, Clemens, Faustino, Gregor, Juel, Luc, Mathis, Orson, Otho, Theodor, Urban, Willem, Adric, Alban, Alto, Antonie, Avel, Dolph, Ector, Evertt, Ferd, Ilo, Isidor, Ivis, Ollis, Orlo, Rolfe, Romain, Ruffus, Sabin, Anselm, Arles, Carel, Corday, Elray, Eugen, Gilles, Ludwin, Marx, Odes, Osker, Ranier, Cosby, Ermin, Franck, Galo, Gaspard, Larz, Lewin, Lyal, Nobel, Olman, Ritter, Roldan, Saban, Ulys
Names like Hugo
Names whose popularity has moved with Hugo's over the last 50 years.
