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Baby names

Find baby name inspiration and advice on the Mumsnet Baby Names forum.

Original poster

Opinions on Hugh for a baby

60 replies

Barb20 · 14/10/2024 11:42

We have massively struggled to agree on boy names for our baby due in December/January. We both like Hugh but I know it’s not the most usual choice so wondered what the general feeling is, be honest!

We also both like Oliver and Joseph but I think I want him to have a bit of a less common name. Husband prefers classic names and Hugh seems to tick both boxes at the moment.

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SuperGinger · 14/10/2024 19:17

Good name, although not keen on Hugo which is in my opinion a dogs name

Leeloo1233 · 14/10/2024 19:11

People outside english speaking countries really struggle to pronounce Hugh though. Mostly they will say Huge. If thats an issue.

laughingnow · 14/10/2024 19:04

sounds great

TobiasForgesContactLense · 14/10/2024 18:59

I know an 11 year old and an 81 year old Hugh. A timeless choice I would say.

LadyLolaRuben · 14/10/2024 18:54

My cousins name. He's in his 20s. Really suits it and never had a problem through school. Easy name to pronounce and spell. Doesn't get confused with others as he's usually the only person around with that name

Firsttimebabymummy · 14/10/2024 18:26

shoopshoopdedoo · 14/10/2024 11:43

I like it! Much prefer to Hugo.

Me too!

Hugh is lovely.

Moreteaandchocolate · 14/10/2024 18:16

I like it! 😊

Fourinthemorningthoughts · 14/10/2024 18:04

It’s my DS’s middle name Smile I really like it and agree it is superior to Hugo.

Huw is an alternative spelling.

DinnaeFashYerself · 14/10/2024 18:03

Love it

tinytemper66 · 14/10/2024 18:03

Hugo before Hugh

IamnotwhouthinkIam · 14/10/2024 17:58

Yes! Please use it for me (it was high on my list but I’m not sure it works with my surname 😢). I can never work out why Hugo is so popular- but Hugh is not. To me Hugh sounds much more classic and very distinguished. Lovely meaning too (and an attractive namesake in Hugh Dancy 😋).

Topseyt123 · 14/10/2024 17:13

It's OK, but I much prefer Oliver or Joseph.

Hugh was my BIL's (DH's brother's) middle name - his siblings and friends all used to hold their noses and shout"Phew" at him, not that he seemed to care much.

permanently · 14/10/2024 17:06

Love Hugh!
Shuggie in Scotland

FayCarew · 14/10/2024 16:55

and Hugh Scully.

Don't use it if your surname is Jarse.

DalRiata · 14/10/2024 16:55

I really like Hugh

FayCarew · 14/10/2024 16:53

I like it. Makes me think of the Duke of Westminster or Hugh Grant.

sadeightiesthrowback · 14/10/2024 15:29

I like Hugh too, and it's Welsh spelling Huw.

peaceinourtime · 14/10/2024 15:08

A refreshing change from Hugo

OtterOnAPlane · 14/10/2024 12:03

I like it, but I know a couple that small children slightly struggle to pronounce / they end up with 'Thew'

Radiatorvalves · 14/10/2024 12:01

A couple of close family members are Hughs. I like it and Hugo (while nice) is quite common these days.

WearyAuldWumman · 14/10/2024 12:01

Rarebitten · 14/10/2024 11:58

Unless your surname begins with a soft ‘g’ sound so that Hugh sounds like ‘Huge’ eg Hugh Jass etc.

Unlikely to be an issue, but it can also sound a bit weird to a Russian speaker. (There's a certain expression which incorporates the Russian equivalent of "dick".)

Andoutcomethewolves · 14/10/2024 11:59

I really like it! I know three lovely Welsh Huws (two adults, one about 6/7) so do prefer that spelling like PP, but obvs if you aren't Welsh then Hugh is pronounced the same.

I don't get the Hugo love on here, I agree it has overly posh boy vibes!

Rarebitten · 14/10/2024 11:58

Unless your surname begins with a soft ‘g’ sound so that Hugh sounds like ‘Huge’ eg Hugh Jass etc.

LeopardPrintIsANeutraI · 14/10/2024 11:58

Oh a friend just called her baby Hugh! I was a bit Hmm at first because it's so... not unusual but unused, I guess? But it suits him and it's actually a very nice name now I'm used to hearing it for a baby.

Rarebitten · 14/10/2024 11:56

It’s fine. Plain, classic.