baby name HugoThe baby name Hugo could follow other o-ending boy names into greater use.

HUGH AND HUGO

The Germanic Hugh means mind, heart, or spirit.

At the end of the 900s, Hugh Capet ruled the Franks. It remained popular in the region, and the Normans brought it to England with them a century later.

It became very English, indeed, thanks to Saint Hugh, the Bishop of Lincoln.

The baby name Hugo is simply the Latinized version of Hugh.

Though Hugh also steps in for several Irish names, including fiery Aodh – the root of mega-popular Aidan.

They’re both used steadily in the US. Hugh fared well in the early twentieth century, but neither name has been used in big numbers recently.

EUROPE

It’s different on the other side of the Atlantic.

Hugo appears in the Top 100 or better in countries from Spain to Scandinavia. In the English-speaking world, it’s more popular in England and Australia than it is in the US.

FAMOUS HUGOS

Famous Hugos pop up all over the globe.

Australian actor Hugo Weaving played Elrond, the Elven Lord in The Lord of the Rings trilogy. There’s Hugo Boss clothing.

And then there’s my personal favorite: the Hugo Award, given annually for achievement in science fiction writing. The awards are named in honor of early scifi author Hugo Gernsback. The association lends the name a certain creative, quirky edge.

Speaking of fiction, if you know how the Harry Potter series ends (spoiler alert), Ron and Hermione have a son named Hugo.

Nineteenth century French author Victor Hugo is known for his poetry, as well as novels novels Les Misérables and The Hunchback of Notre-Dame.

Famous figures appear from South America to Scandinavia and almost everywhere in between.

O BOY

The baby name Hugo fits in nicely with current trends, especially our love of boy names ending with o. Leo ranks in the current Top 100. Names like Milo and Arlo continue to gain in use. And traditional Theodore might be the hottest of the classic boy names at the moment, fueled by vibrant nickname Theo.

BY THE NUMBERS

The baby name Hugo has ranked in the US Top 1000 every year, with the exception of 1940 and 1948. It’s rarely made it into the US Top 300.

As of 2019, Hugo ranked #460 – about the same general rank the name has held since the 1980s.

That could make this a great opportunity. It’s a familiar name that remains relatively underused. Even if it doubled in terms of birth numbers, it would still fall somewhere in the mid-200s.

If you’re after a nicely on-trend name that feels traditional, too, the baby name Hugo could fit your requirements. Add in a great meaning, and there’s lots to love about this one.

Would you consider the baby name Hugo for a son?

First published on June 9, 2008, this post was revised substantially and updated on May 22, 2020 and again on February 10, 2021.

boy name Hugo

About Abby Sandel

Whether you're naming a baby, or just all about names, you've come to the right place! Appellation Mountain is a haven for lovers of obscure gems and enduring classics alike.

You May Also Like:

What do you think?

21 Comments

  1. This is same response we have gotten about our 2017 baby Hugo, “It’s uncommon but heard of, strong and distinguished but somehow fits even the tiniest baby.”
    I also totally agree with a comment below about Hugo being a name that “fits right in with all the Olivers, Milos, Henrys and Oscars.” So true!

  2. We named our baby Hugo Oz in 2017. We (really I, lol) considered a lot of names and Hugo was just the one. I loved it’s simple, beautiful meaning too. Oz was a nod to the country I was born, Australia. My husband was keen to maybe use the nickname Oz/Ozzie one day but it hasn’t stuck. We still love the name, he does too, and it suits him very well .

  3. We just welcomed a little Hugo into the world. We love it and have gotten a lot of positive comments about the name. It’s uncommon but heard of, strong and distinigued but somehow fits even the tiniest baby.
    Our daughter’s name is Harper so we think the two make a pefect match for our family.

    1. Aww, Hugo! Sorry to hear you hate your name. I wish you’d expounded on exactly *why* you hate it so. It still strikes me as cheerful & happy.

      1. Hi Lola! Funny that you and I both came to revisit a 2 1/2 year old post within days of each other. You love him too, huh?

      2. Hi Elisabeth! Funny, indeed. Hugo is a love; I wish I could use him. My Other Half doesn’t like him “enough” . *sigh* !men! 🙂

      3. I don’t know that mine does either Lola, but I keep my own “private” list. There’s time to work on him.