Gender Masculine
Usage English
Pronounced Pron. HYOO  [key·IPA]

Meaning & History

From the Germanic name Hugo, derived from the Old Frankish element hugi, Old High German hugu meaning "mind, thought, spirit" (Proto-Germanic *hugiz). It was common among Frankish and French nobility, being borne by Hugh Capet, a 10th-century king of France who founded the Capetian dynasty. The Normans brought the name to England and it became common there, even more so after the time of the 12th-century bishop Saint Hugh of Lincoln, who was known for his charity. This was also the name of kings of Cyprus and the crusader kingdom of Jerusalem. The name is used in Ireland and Scotland as the Anglicized form of Aodh and Ùisdean.

Related Names

VariantHugo
DiminutivesHuey, Hughie, Hewie
Other Languages & CulturesHug(Catalan) Hugo(Danish) Hugo(Dutch) Hugo(Finnish) Hugo, Hugues(French) Hauke(Frisian) Hauke, Hugo(German) Hugo, Huguo(Germanic) Ugo(Italian) Hudde(Medieval English) Hugo(Norwegian) Hugo(Portuguese) Shug(Scots) Hugo(Spanish) Hugo(Swedish) Huw(Welsh)
Surname DescendantHughes(English)
Place Name DescendantHouston(English)

Popularity

People think this name is

classic   mature   formal   upper class   wholesome   strong   refined   strange   simple   serious  

Images

19th-century depiction of Hugh Capet19th-century depiction of Hugh Capet

Categories

Entry updated December 7, 2022