What does Hugo mean and where does it come from?
Despite being predominantly a male name, Hugo has also seen usage as a feminine name in some cultures, particularly in France and Spain. Its roots come from the Latin name 'Hugonis,' which means 'mind' or 'intellect.' It gained popularity in the Middle Ages and has been associated with several notab
Cultural significance
Hugo has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in France-speaking communities, where it reflects values of latin.
Peak popularity
Reached #9575 in 1993 — currently #415 in the US.
🌿
Related Reading
France-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Hugo?
Hugo works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Hugo Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Hugo Rose
Floral · soft ending
Hugo Claire
French influence · crisp
Hugo Jane
Literary · strong
Hugo Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Hugo right now?
Declining — down 14 spots — currently #415 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #415 | 769 | ▼ down 14 · -4% births |
| 2022 | #401 | 799 | ▲ up 36 · +12% births |
| 2021 | #437 | 714 | ▲ up 12910 · +11800% births |
| 2020 | #13347 | 6 | ▼ down 1920 |
| 1990 | #11427 | 6 | — |
The story of Hugo
Hugo is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1982. A total of 33,560 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #11427 in 1990 to #415 in 2023. Hugo is used for both genders: 0% female and 100% male.
Names that peaked alongside Hugo in 1993:
Hugo by decade
Hugo peaked in the 1990s. See all 1990s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 277 | |
| 1890s | 311 | |
| 1900s | 251 | |
| 1910s | 1,412 | |
| 1920s | 1,543 | |
| 1930s | 812 | |
| 1940s | 529 | |
| 1950s | 793 | |
| 1960s | 1,200 | |
| 1970s | 2,269 | |
| 1980s | 3,742 | |
| 1990s | 5,627 | |
| 2000s ★ | 7,321 | |
| 2010s | 6,768 | |
| 2020s | 705 | |
What are good nicknames for Hugo?
What names sound and feel like Hugo?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Hugo also consider these
How is Hugo written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Hugo
What does the name Hugo mean?
Hugo means "Latin" — a name rooted in France tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Hugo?
Hugo is currently ranked #415 in the United States as a baby name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Hugo have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Hugo?
Hugo originates from France tradition. France names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Hugo?
Hugo is a two-syllable name pronounced HH Y UW1 G OW0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Hugo trending right now?
Hugo is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.