Surname Hugo - Meaning and Origin

Hugo: What does the surname Hugo mean?

The last name Hugo is derived from the Germanic name Hugh, which evolved from hugu, meaning “heart, mind, or spirit”. The origin of the name is likely the German word hagen, meaning “enclosure, shed”. Some sources state that Hugo refers to "a descendant of the ‘spirit’ of the ancient Germanic god Ugo”.

The name Hugo carries an esteemed and long-standing nobility in Europe. It is found among old, aristocratic families of high honor and distinction. Historically, the name has been popular in France, the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, and Scandinavian countries.

The Hugo name stands for strength, loyalty, and bravery. Hugos tend to be courageous, strong-willed, and self-assured—traits that come from their Germanic warring roots. They are also known for being stubborn and independent, as well as good-natured and outgoing.

Hugos are creative and often enjoy artistic pursuits. They value family and place a great importance on maintaining life-long relationships. They are independent thinkers and great problem-solvers, often finding creative solutions to complex issues.

Hugos have a captivating presence, carrying within them a strong sense of identity and purpose. They make excellent leaders, often earning the respect and admiration of those around them. They are genuine and intuitive, with a strong desire to serve and help others.

Hugo: Where does the name Hugo come from?

The last name Hugo is currently most prevalent in continental Europe, particularly in France, Switzerland, and Germany. In France, Hugo is the 46th most popular surname, with over 43,000 people bearing the name. In Germany, Hugo ranks 184th on the list of popular surnames, used by over 16,000 people. Lastly, in Switzerland, Hugo stands at 198th on the list of popular surnames, with over 6,500 people using the name.

Although the countries of continental Europe remain the most concentrated areas for people bearing the last name Hugo, other countries across the world feature a fair amount of Hugos as well. Namely, Hugo is found in Mexico, Peru, South Africa, and parts of Asia, including China, Japan, and the Philippines. In Latin America, Hugo is ranked in the top 20 of popular surnames, with several thousand people using the name in Mexico.

The origin of the last name Hugo is derived from the Germanic word “hug”, meaning “mind” or “spirit.” Historically, Hugo was often used as a first name by nobility and was eventually adopted as a last name by its bearers. Today, the last name Hugo is a testament to the worldwide influence that the Germanic people and culture have had on the world.

Variations of the surname Hugo

The surname Hugo is of Germanic and Latin origin and its variants include Huugo, Huego, Hugho, Hewgo, Oogo, Ougo, Ougho, and Hugh.

It is also found in many other forms, such as Hugon, Hugoun, Huguen, Huguin, Hugolen, Hugels, and Hugelin. The surnames with the same origin are Hugues, Hugnet, Hugnot, Huguet, Huguet, Hugoisin, Hugonin, Huguenin, and Hhuin.

In Ireland, the funders, Andrews,Angles, Hughes, Hugheson, Hugheys, Hendrys, Heneys, Hains, and Haines all descend from the same root family of Hugh.

In Scotland, the name Hugh can also be found in the form of MacGuggy, MacGuiggan, MacGugan, MacGougan, and MacGuggen, all of which are patronymical variants.

In England, the name can be found in the form of Hugger, Hogue, Hegg, Hagg, Hehg, Hegew, Hegem, Higrooms, Higgles, Hochen.

In France, the Huguenot refugees brought in the names of Huguet, Hugot, Huguen and Hugon. The Huguenot surname Bousquet is a diminutive of Hugo and also derives from the name.

In Spain, the surnames Hugoín, Ogoín, Ugo, Ogon, and Uguet can also be found.

In Portugal, the surnames Hugo, Ugolini, and Ugolin can be found.

In Italy, the surnames Ogoin, Ogoni, and Hugo can be found.

In Greece, the surnames Ego and Hugos can be found.

In Romania, the surname Hugo can be found in the form of Hugo-Nastase.

In the Dutch-speaking countries, the surname Hugo can be found in the form of Hoogh, Hoego, Hooge, Hoozen, and Hoogeveen.

In the Slavic countries, the surname Hugo can be found in the form of Guga, Gugic, Gugicz, Gugawecz and Gugo.

In Czech and Slovak countries the surname Hag can be derived from Hugo.

Overall, the name Hugo is morphologically, geographically, and culturally very diversified, therefore, it is important for researches to consider all the possible spelling and surname variations in order to accurately trace it's origin.

Famous people with the name Hugo

• Victor Hugo: Regarded as one of the greatest and most influential writers in French literature, Victor Hugo is best known for writing the classic novels Les Misérables and The Hunchback of Notre-Dame.
• Charles Hugo: Charles is the son of Victor Hugo and was also a poet and novelist.
• Nathalie Hugo: The daughter of Victor Hugo, Nathalie was a French actress and writer.
• Joseph-Léopold-Sigisbert Hugo: Joseph was the elder brother of famous poet Victor Hugo, and was also a noted political figure and direct ancestor of the Hugo family.
• Alexandre Hugo: Alexandre was the eldest son of Victor Hugo and became a poet, novelist, and journalist.
• François-Victor Hugo: François-Victor was the second son of Victor Hugo and an artist, sculptor, and painter.
• Adèle Félicité Hugo: Adèle was the only daughter of Victor Hugo and a noted campaigner for women's rights.
• Alian Hugo: Alian was the son of Victor Hugo and a prominent journalist, scholar, and author.
• Jean Hugo: Jean Hugo was the grandson of Victor Hugo and a noted artist and painter.
• François-Winoku Hugo: François-Winoku was the son of Victor Hugo and a noted scholar, presenter, and writer.
• William Hugo: William was the son of François-Victor Hugo and was a noted artist, engraver, and sculptor.
• Julia Hugo: Julia was the daughter of François-Victor Hugo and was a political figure, philanthropist, and suffragist.
• Sonia Delaunay-Hugo: Sonia was a noted artist, designer, and fashionista, as well as the granddaughter of Victor Hugo.
• Guillaume Hugo: Guillaume was the great-grandson of Victor Hugo and a noted writer, poet, and artist.
• Marguerite Yourcenar-Hugo: Marguerite was a noted French author of fiction, memoirs, and essays, and the great-great granddaughter of Victor Hugo.

Other surnames

HugHügHugeHügeHugelHügelHugeleHügeleHugelmannHugemannHugenHügenHügensHugenschmidtHügesHuggHuggartHuggeHugginHugginsHughHughartHughesHughettHugheyHughmanHughsHughsonHughsteadHughsted