Successful since the 1980s, the first name Hugo continues to seduce with its simplicity and elegance. Despite a slight recent decline, it remains a must on the French charts.
A first name with a lively sound and timeless charm
Today awarded to almost one in 165 boys, Hugo retains a privileged place in the choice of young parents. This short, punchy and rhythmic first name owes part of its success to its “o” ending, very popular in current trends.
Worn by illustrious figures and appreciated for its musicality, it symbolizes a certain modernity combined with timeless elegance.
A noble origin and a rich history
Coming from the Germanic term “hug”, meaning “spirit” or “intelligence”, Hugo has for centuries embodied liveliness and intellectual clarity. Having fallen into oblivion for a time, it experienced a spectacular rise in the 1980s. L’Officiel des Prénoms (First Éditions) recalls that it reached 4th place among the most assigned first names in France in 2000. This revival can be explained as much by its simplicity as by the symbolic resonance of the name worn by one of the greatest French writers, Victor Hugo.
Worldwide popularity and emblematic figures
Although its frequency has declined slightly, Hugo remains firmly anchored in the top 50 male first names. It shines well beyond France: it is among the most chosen in Spain and Sweden, and is also popular in Belgium, Switzerland and Quebec.
Its success is maintained thanks to current personalities like Hugo Lloris, emblematic captain of the Blues, or Hugo Travers, founder of the HugoDécrypte channel. Between historical heritage and media modernity, Hugo stands out as a universal first name, at once simple, strong and resolutely contemporary.