Surname Pugh - Meaning and Origin

Exploring the Genetic Heritage of the Surname Pugh through iGENEA’s DNA Testing

Recently, I was introduced to deeper nuances of my genetic heritage through a DNA test by iGENEA that refined my understanding of my surname, Pugh. The analysis not only confirmed the accuracy and technical superiority of iGENEA’s methodological approach but offered a fascinating journey into the origins and journey of my ancestors.

L. Pugh

Pugh: What does the surname Pugh mean?

The surname Pugh is of Welsh origin, derived from the personal name "Hugh". It is a patronymic name, meaning it was initially used to denote the son of Hugh, with “ap” in Welsh meaning “son of”. Over time, ‘ap Hugh’ was shortened and merged to become Pugh. As for the personal name Hugh, it comes from the Old Germanic "Hugo" which means "heart", "mind" or "spirit". Thus, the surname Pugh indirectly carries the connotations of these characteristics. Although it is primarily associated with Wales, variations of the name can be found in other regions, partially due to migration and the anglicization of Welsh names. Today, there are many notable people with this surname across various fields such as sports, arts, politics, and more.

Pugh: Where does the name Pugh come from?

The last name Pugh is most common today in Wales, in the United Kingdom. It is thought to have originated from the Welsh phrase "ap Hugh", which translates to "son of Hugh". The Welsh origin of this name is further supported by census data showing that Pugh is the 8th most common surname in Wales, with over 23,000 people currently carrying the name.

Traditionally, Welsh surnames were patronymic, meaning they were inherited from the father, usually with the suffix ap, or ”son of”, added to the given name of the parent. Many Welsh surnames, including Pugh, came into use during the Middle Ages, and gained popularity as the population of Wales increased.

Pugh is also common in the United States, particularly in the midwest, and is ranked in the top 500 most common surnames in the United States. It is possible for the name to appear in other parts of Britain or the United States, though it is less likely.

In addition to its usage in England and the United States, the name Pugh is also popular in Ireland, Scotland, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. In all of these countries, the surname Pugh is one of the most common surnames, indicating the global influence of Welsh-based surnames.

Variations of the surname Pugh

The surname Pugh originates from Welsh, and its variants include Pue, Pughs, Pew, Peugh, Pews, and Poogh. The pronunciation of the name may also vary depending on the region, such as Pooh or Puff.

Pugh is derived from the Welsh words ‘ap Hugh’, meaning ‘son of Hugh’. It is a patronymic name, meaning that it is passed from the father to the son. It is believed to have been first used in the 11th century by families of aristocratic or noble origins.

The variants of the surname may also include other surnames derived from ‘ap Hugh’, such as Hew, How, Howes, and Hughes. The spelling of the surname may also differ, such as Pue, Pughs, Pew, Peugh, Pews, and Poogh.

Other surnames derived from the same source have been used in the past, such as Ffiths, Ffitsu, Fits, McPugh and Puhe. This is a reflection of the regional variations in pronunciation of the surname Pugh over time.

In Scotland, the surname Pugh is sometimes spelled as MacPew or MacPhew, which are derived from the Gaelic Mac Phuibh. This form is also found in the Isle of Man and in Northern Ireland.

Today, Pugh is a common surname found in England, Wales and the US. It is estimated that there are several thousand individuals bearing the surname throughout the world.

Famous people with the name Pugh

• Debbie Pugh, former British MP
• Steve Pugh, British comic book artist
• Handel Pugh, Welsh Methodist preacher
• Nicke Pugh, Finnish ice hockey player
• Melissa Pugh, golfer
• Jonathan Pugh, British actor
• Charlotte Pugh, English actress
• Sonya Pugh, former British MP
• Glyn Pugh, former British Member of the European Parliament
• David Pugh, Welsh entrepreneur, stage producer and business executive
• Michael Pugh, English actor
• Charles Pugh, English entertainer and former politician
• Zach Pugh, American professional soccer player
• Jane Pugh, English cricketer
• Bevan Pugh, British Army major
• Paul Pugh, former Welsh MP
• Edward Pugh, English historian and author
• William Pugh, English barrister, courtier and politician
• Abbie Pugh, English swimmer
• Mark Pugh, English footballer

Other surnames

Pugh/Pew