Hugo: meaning and origin
Hugo
“Mind, heart, spirit”
About the name Hugo
Hugo is a boy’s name from the German tradition. Its meaning is “mind, heart, spirit”. Names from Old German (Germanic) roots, often about strength, nobility and fame — like William, Henry, Emma and Matilda.
It’s a classic: a name that has been used for generations and still feels fresh.
More names with a similar meaning: names that mean wisdom.
Tips before you choose
- Say the full name out loud with your last name, and with any middle name.
- Check the initials — and what they spell.
- Think about nicknames kids might make from it.
- Write it down: is the spelling easy for teachers and friends?
More German names
- Charles 👦Free man · German
- Charlie 🧒Free; a short form of Charles and Charlotte · German
- Emerson 🧒Son of Emery · German
- Emery 🧒Brave, powerful · German
- Emmett 👦Whole, universal · German
- Everett 👦Brave as a wild boar · German
- Frederick 👦Peaceful ruler · German
- Henry 👦Ruler of the home · German
- Otto 👦Wealth, fortune · German
- Robert 👦Bright fame · German
- William 👦Resolute protector · German
Sibling name ideas (German, girls)
- Adeline 👧Noble · German
- Alice 👧Noble · German
- Amelia 👧Work; industrious and hardworking · German
- Caroline 👧Free; a feminine form of Charles · German
- Ella 👧All, completely; also a short form of Eleanor · German
- Elsa 👧My God is an oath; a short form of Elisabeth · German
- Emma 👧Whole, universal · German
- Frieda 👧Peace · German
More boy names starting with H
- Harrison 👦Son of Harry · English
- Haruto 👦Sun flying (one common reading) · Japanese
- Henry 👦Ruler of the home · German
- Holden 👦Hollow valley · English
- Hudson 👦Son of Hudde; from an English surname and the Hudson River · English
- Hunter 👦One who hunts · English
Questions and answers
What does the name Hugo mean?
Hugo is a name of German origin. It means: mind, heart, spirit.
Is Hugo a boy or girl name?
Hugo is usually given to boys.
How many syllables does Hugo have?
Hugo has 4 letters and about 2 syllables.