# Hugo

/ˈhjuɡoʊ/ (US)

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

## Senses

### 1. male name

noun · CEFR A1

a common first name for a man.

For teachers: a masculine given name, originally a Latinised form of the Germanic name Hugh.

- My friend Hugo is coming over for dinner tonight.
- The name Hugo has seen a resurgence in popularity across Europe, particularly in France and Spain, over the last decade.

### 2. literary award

noun · CEFR B2

a famous prize given every year to the best science fiction or fantasy stories.

For teachers: an annual award presented by the World Science Fiction Society for the best science fiction or fantasy works of the previous year.

- The author was very proud to win a Hugo for her latest novel.
- Winning a Hugo is considered one of the highest honours in the speculative fiction community, often leading to a significant increase in international sales.

## Examples

- My friend Hugo is coming to the party tonight.
- The teacher called on Hugo to answer the question about the history of the city.
- While the name Hugo has roots in medieval Europe, it remains a popular choice for parents today due to its classic yet modern sound.

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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.