# Hugh

/ˈhju/ (US)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/hugh
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. male given name

noun · CEFR A1

a common first name for a man.

For teachers: A masculine given name derived from Germanic roots meaning 'heart', 'mind', or 'spirit'.

- Hugh Grant is a very famous British actor.
- The protagonist, a man named Hugh, struggles to reconcile his traditional upbringing with his modern career in the city.

### 2. surname

noun · CEFR A1

a family name or last name.

For teachers: A surname originating as a patronymic, though less common than its derivative 'Hughes'.

- The author's full name is Robert Hugh.
- Historical records indicate that the Hugh family settled in this region during the late seventeenth century.

## Examples

- My friend Hugh is coming to dinner tonight.
- The author Hugh Lofting is best known for creating the character of Doctor Dolittle in his children's books.
- 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.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.