Opinions on Hugh for a baby

[Barb20]

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.

Hopefully the OP doesn't live in NI or Scotland 😅

No.

Shug/Shuggy is really only prevalent on the west coast. Most I've met are known as Hughie. The old Scots spelling Hew seems to be in use again in Scotland, as is Hewie as a given name.

I do prefer it to your other suggestions, OP.

i knew a scottish man named ian, who decided to call himself Hugh, down south.
cant remember why

Love it. Classy and known but not often used.

Agree.

Hugh also has a gorgeous meaning.
Bright of mind.

I love many older gentleman names like ..
Roger, Gerald etc.

Ask the questions - Does it sound smart following Sir?
Could they be a friend of my Grandad?

Eg.
Sir Hugh
Sir Lancelot
Grandad's friend, Hugh.
Grandad's friend, Bruce.

That made me laugh 😂

I like Hugh, good classic name. But again, depends on surname. I once read about a man called Hugh Gordon Rection, so Hugh G. Rection. You don't want that!

Hugh is a lovely name in itself but, as other posters have pointed out, when spoken does run into & merge with the surname. So the whole thing needs to be said out loud to avoid any howlers.

For example best not to use it if your surname is Dunnett, Rynall or Janus.

If your surname is Fearnley-Whittingstall it'd be lovely.

Sorry, just binge-watched River Cottage. I do like that particular Hugh.

Dh has a ni uncle called Hugh. Hughie for short...pronounced Queue-ie.
My nice Dublin friends have a lovely son called Hugh, pronounced properly. As in the fabulous Hugh Grant.