ENGLISH
REFERENCE

hugh

n. countable
A1 Beginner US //ˈhju// hugh

n. a common traditional name for a man. It is a very old name that comes from words meaning 'heart' or 'mind'.

n. a masculine given name of Germanic origin, derived from the word 'hug', meaning heart, mind, or spirit.


SIMPLE

My friend Hugh is coming to dinner tonight.

CONTEXTUAL

The author Hugh Lofting is best known for creating the character of Doctor Dolittle in his children's books.

COMPLEX

While the name Hugh has seen fluctuating popularity over the centuries, it remains a staple of British nomenclature, often associated with historical figures and literary characters alike.

Origin

From the Old French aristocratic and saint's name Hughe, brought to England by Normans, from a short form of Germanic names beginning with Proto-Germanic *hugiz (“heart, mind”), such as Hubert. Cognate with Old English hyġe (“mind, spirit, intellect”). More at high, how.

Usage

As a proper noun, it is always capitalised.

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