Name meaning & stats
Hugh
Hugh means “mind, spirit” (Germanic origin). 40,937 US babies since 1940, peak 1942. Notable Hughs are 1.4× over-represented as professors.
What it means
“mind, spirit”
GermanicWell documented
In US birth records
Peak year: 1942
40,937 US babies were named Hugh between 1940 and 2025.
Where Hughs end up
| Career | vs expected | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Politician | 1.1× | High · 36 people |
| Actor | 1.3× | High · 32 people |
| Professor | 1.4× | High · 29 people |
| Writer | 1.3× | High · 26 people |
Among notable men who are professors, Hughs show up 1.4× as often as you'd expect from how common the name is.
Notable people born 1940–2005 in the US, UK, Canada and Australia (Wikidata). Patterns, not destiny.
One more thing…
Hugh has a surprise career: 1.7×
Name twins (peaked around 1942)