Hugh
Hugh comes from the Germanic "hug," meaning mind, heart, or spirit. The name was brought to England by the Normans and became common in the medieval period. Hugh of Lincoln (1135-1200) was a 12th-century bishop and saint. Hugh (the philosopher Hugh of Saint Victor, 1096-1141) was a 12th-century theologian. Hugh was a top-200 American name from 1880 to 1970, peaking at #66 in 1934. Hugh Jackman (born 1968), the Australian actor known for "X-Men" (as Wolverine) and "Les Misérables," is the most famous modern bearer. Hugh Grant (born 1960), the British actor known for "Four Weddings and a Funeral" (1994), gave the name a romantic charge. Hugh Laurie (born 1959), the actor known for "House," gave the name a TV dimension. I find Hugh has a brisk, slightly British quality — the single syllable is direct, and the "H" opening is gentle. The "gh" spelling is one of the more unusual in English. Hugh is a male name of Germanic origin that means "Mind, heart, spirit". Brisk, British, and quietly accomplished. The name sounds classic. Hughs tend to be thoughtful. US peaked #66 in 1934. Now top 1000. Well-known people named Hugh include Hugh Jackman (actor), Hugh Grant (actor), Hugh Laurie (actor), Hugh (Germanic name). Common variations and related forms of Hugh include Hugo (Latin form), Huw (Welsh), Hugues (French), Hughie (nickname).