Surname Hugh - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'H'
Hugh: What does the surname Hugh mean?
The last name Hugh is of Germanic origin. It is a patronymic surname derived from the given name Hugo, which was derived from the Germanic element "Hulda", meaning "haughty" or "thoughtful". It is also possible that it derived from Huga, the Old German version of Hugh.
The surname Hugh is found around the world, with many families originating in parts of Europe such as England, Germany, France, and the Netherlands. The origin of the name has been connected to cultures as diverse as Old Dutch, Old English, German, and Norse.
In England, the first recorded spelling of the name was found in 1273 in Worcestershire, where one Hugo de Hughe was listed as a landowner. In France, the original form would have been the French Hugon or Hugues, which is still common today.
Throughout history, Hugh has been associated with some prominent figures. For example, Hugh Capet was the first King of France and Hugh of Chester was a famous theologian.
The surname Hugh has also been associated with some well-known figures in modern Western society. The English author and naturalist, Hugh Walpole, is one of the most well-known to be associated with this name. His works, such as "The Fortress" and "The Duke’s Children", have been popular for a long time.
Today, the most common spelling of this surname around the world is Hugh. While there are variations, the original meaning and spelling remain intact.
Order DNA origin analysisHugh: Where does the name Hugh come from?
The last name Hugh is most commonly found in the United Kingdom. According to an analysis of the UK's electoral roll by Forebears, nearly 50,000 people with the last name Hugh live in the nation. The region with the highest population density is London, with around 15,000 people using the surname. In Scotland, the name is also fairly popular, with over 12,000 members of the Hugh clan residing there.
Outside of the UK, the name Hugh is also widely distributed throughout Ireland, where about 8,000 people bear the name. In the United States, the numbers are slightly less, coming in at around 5,000 people. As in the UK, Illinois has the highest concentration of people with the surname, at least 2,000.
The name Hugh has a strong connection to the Irish and Scottish culture, and sources even trace its origins to the ancient Celtic language. It is thought to have been derived from the Old Gaelic "Aed" which meant fire. In time, the name evolved to become the modern spelling of Hugh.
While the name Hugh is not as common in the United States as in the UK, it is still widespread all over the world. It has a strong sense of heritage and family standing behind it, making it an unique and cherished last name.
Variations of the surname Hugh
The surnames Hugh, Hughes, Hewes, Hewitt and Hewison are all variants of the same root name.
Hugh is a variant of the name "Hugh", from the Old German name "Hugo", which is composed of the Germanic elements hug, meaning "heart, mind or spirit", and ric, meaning "power, ruler". The name has a long and illustrious history in Britain and is found in many different versions across Europe.
Hughes is another variant of Hugh and is derived from the form Hugo. It is derived from the Latinized form of the Old German Hugo and originates from the Old French words "hughe" or "hue". The spelling Hughes is most commonly seen in Wales.
Hewes and Hewitt are variants of Hugh. Hewes is actually derived from the Middle English personal name "Huw" or "Hew", which is a diminutive of Hugh. Hewitt is derived from the Old English "hwic", which means "expressing strength or spirit".
Lastly, Hewison is another variant of Hugh and originates from the Old English "huse" meaning "house". It is a habitational surname and refers to those people who lived in a house marked by a sign of Hugh.
In conclusion, the surnames Hugh, Hughes, Hewes, Hewitt and Hewison are all variants of the same root name. The meaning of this name can be derived from the Old German "Hugo" which means "heart, mind or spirit" and "ric" which means "power, ruler". Additionally, the other variants are derived from Middle English, Old English and Old French.
Famous people with the name Hugh
- Hugh Grant: English actor, film producer and philanthropist.
- Hugh Hefner: American magazine publisher, founder of Playboy Enterprises.
- Hugh Jackman: Australian actor and producer.
- Hugh Laurie: English actor, comedian, writer, director and musician.
- Hugh Bonneville: English actor.
- Hugh Dancy: English actor.
- Hugh Cornwell: English musician and singer-songwriter.
- Hugh Ross: Canadian-American astronomer, author and pastor.
- Hugh Masekela: South African jazz musician, composer and anti-apartheid activist.
- Hugh Grant Ward: American naval officer in World War II.
- Hugh Paul Ward: English politician and Officer of the Order of the British Empire.
- Hugh Marlowe: American actor.
- Hugh Orde: British police officer.
- Hugh O'Brian: American actor.
- Hugh O'Connor: American actor.
- Hugh O'Flaherty: Irish Catholic priest and humanitarian.
- Hugh Ross Williamson: Scottish physician and writer.
- Hugh Thompson Jr.: American Vietnam War helicopter pilot.
- Hugh Barlow: English law enforcement officer and cricketer.
- Hugh Rawson: American lexicographer, author and poet.