Tug is an uncommon yet intriguing given name of unclear etymology, often found in historical records and literature. It may have originated as a nickname derived from various sources, such as the verb 'tug' meaning to pull sharply, the Middle English surname Tugge, or even the occupational term for a sailor who handled ropes ('tugger'). The name Tug is not associated with any particular saint or cultural figure, and its popularity has remained relatively low throughout history. Despite this, it carries an air of uniqueness and individuality.
The name Tug saw a steady increase in popularity between 2004 and 2007, with a dip in 2008 and a spike in 2012. However, the overall number of births with this name remains relatively low throughout these years.