Ugo is of Latin origin and means "illustrious". It is derived from the Latin word "uxorius", which translates to "of noble birth" or "distinguished". Historically, Ugo has been a popular name in Italy, particularly among the nobility during medieval times. In French, it is known as Hugues, and in German, Hugo. The name has also gained international recognition through figures such as Ugo Betti, an Italian playwright, and Ugo Tognazzi, an Italian actor. Today, Ugo remains a distinctive yet approachable choice for parents seeking a classic, yet uncommon name for their child.
The name Ugo experienced a notable rise and fall in popularity over the century, peaking between 1915 to 1925 with an average of 14 births per year, before declining sharply post-1930, only to see brief resurgences in the late 80s and early 90s. Since the mid-90s, its popularity has consistently been around 5 births annually.