Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Hugo
BoyGermanic, Latin· “mind, heart, spirit”
- Meaning
- mind, heart, spirit
- Origin
- Germanic, Latin
- Pronunciation
- HYOO-goh
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #378
- US babies 2025
- 837
- Best rank
- #263 (1881)
- Peak year
- 2025
Meaning and origin of Hugo
Hugo is a Germanic and Latin name that means “mind, heart, spirit”.
Hugo is the Latinized form of Hugh, from the Germanic element hug, meaning mind, heart or spirit. Medieval Latin documents recorded Hugh as Hugo, and that form became the everyday name in Spanish, Portuguese, German, Dutch and Scandinavian languages. French novelist Victor Hugo, author of Les Misérables, made the name internationally familiar, though for him it was a surname. Hugo feels classic yet stylish today, with a strong European flavor. It is short and bright, and Hugh remains a traditional English alternative.
Popularity over time
Hugo has been given to babies in the United States since at least 1880, the first year of Social Security records. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 144 different years. Its best national rank was #263 in 1881, and the most babies received it in 2025, when 837 were named Hugo. In 2025, 837 babies were named Hugo, and it ranked #378 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #479 in 1920, #894 in 1950, #457 in 1980, #399 in 2000, #440 in 2010, and #378 in 2025. Of the 37,482 US boys named Hugo since records began, 20% were born in the 2000s, its biggest decade. The 2010s come next, with 6,787 babies. Since 2010, 11,417 more have been named Hugo.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Matthias, Elio, Kieran, Raphael, and Kylo.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Hugo ranked highest in Washington, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Washington | #197 | 44 |
| New Hampshire | #246 | 5 |
| Massachusetts | #251 | 24 |
| Nevada | #253 | 12 |
| California | #274 | 136 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for boys.
Hugo is usually pronounced HYOO-goh, with two syllables. It has four letters, starts with H and ends in “-go”.
Middle names for Hugo
A few middle names that flow with Hugo: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Hugo
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Lists that include Hugo
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Hugo mean?
Hugo is a Germanic and Latin name that means “mind, heart, spirit”.
What is the origin of the name Hugo?
Hugo has Germanic and Latin roots. Hugo is the Latinized form of Hugh, from the Germanic element hug, meaning mind, heart or spirit.
Is Hugo a popular name?
Yes. Hugo ranked #378 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Hugo a boy or girl name?
Hugo is mainly a boy's name. In the US it is used almost only for boys.
How do you pronounce Hugo?
Hugo is usually pronounced HYOO-goh. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings