Long used less than its derivative Hugues, the first name Hugo experienced a record popularity between the 1990s and 2000s. The Hugos are celebrated on April 1, the day of Saint Hugh, who ruled the Cluny Abbey in the 11th century.
Origin and etymology of the first name Hugo
The first name Hugo is the Latin transcription of a personal name of Germanic origin, formed from the root "hug" which means "spirit" or "thought". In the south of France, it gave the derived forms Hugolin and Ugolin (including the famous character of Marcel pagnol). It has also been used as a surname in several forms:Hugo, Hugon, Higounet.
Use and popularity of the first name Hugo
A name from the Middle Ages par excellence, Hugo later fell into disuse. Used in a confidential way until 1980, it then experienced a rapid rise which raised it to the top positions at the turn of the previous century. Famous Hugos include Italian designer Hugo Pratt, German fashion designer Hugo Boss, former Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez and Australian actor Hugo Weaving.
To go further
- 2000 first names and their history, by Omer Englebert. Albin Michel, 2015.
- The Book of my first name - Hugo. First, 2017.