Hughes Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Hughes come from? What does the surname Hughes mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Hughes and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Hughes Origin: What does the last name Hughes mean?
The surname Hughes is of English origin and is commonly associated with Ireland and Wales. In England, it is an Anglicized version of the Welsh and Irish patronymic surname. In Wales, it is derived from the personal name "Hu" or "Huw," meaning "fire" or "inspiration." In Ireland, it evolved from the ancient Irish name of Ó hAodha, denoting a descendant of Aodh, which means "fire." The surname Hughes was most prevalent in Ynys Môn (Anglesey) in Wales and in counties Armagh, Tyrone, Monaghan, Donegal, and Fermanagh in Ireland. Matheson's 1890 census ranked it as the 34th most common name in Ireland.
According to YourRoots data, the Hughes surname has been present in England since the early 15th century and has seen significant growth in the United States from the 17th century onwards. It has become a widespread surname globally, with notable concentrations in the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand. The surname's historical roots in metalworking and its widespread adoption across various regions and cultures underscore its enduring legacy and continued relevance in the modern era.
Hughes Last Name History: Where did the last name Hughes come from?
Origin of Hughes Surname: Where does the last name Hughes originate from?
The surname Hughes first appeared in our YourRoots database in England, United Kingdom, around the early 15th century. It is important to note that this reflects only the exact spelling ‚Äö"Hughes" within the YourRoots records and does not include other sources or variations of the surname.
History of the Last Name Hughes: How did the Hughes surname spread in the early days?
YourRoots data reveals that the ‚Äö"Hughes" surname was closely associated with England, United Kingdom, from the 15th to the 16th century. However, by the 17th century, the surname had begun to increase in frequency in the United States. This trend continued through the 18th and 19th centuries, indicating a significant growth of the Hughes surname in the United States during these periods.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Hughes surname today?
Based on YourRoots data, the Hughes surname is most frequently found in the United States, which has been the case since the 17th century. Despite a smaller volume of records in the 20th and 21st centuries, this does not necessarily imply a decrease in the frequency of the Hughes surname. Today, the Hughes surname is globally spread and can be found in various countries, including the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Germany, France, and Sweden.
Explore Hughes last name heritage and Hughes surname origin based on YourRoots Map data
VIEW THE ORIGIN OF SURNAME HUGHES
Famous People With Hughes Surame?
Langston Hughes
James Mercer Langston Hughes (Feb 1, 1901 – May 22, 1967) was an American poet, social activist, and playwright known for his leadership during the Harlem Renaissance. He was a prolific writer from a young age, gaining recognition for his jazz poetry and contributions to The Crisis magazine. Hughes's work celebrated the African-American experience and highlighted racial pride. Growing up in the Midwest, he later moved to New York City, where he became a prominent figure in the creative community. His legacy as a literary icon continues to inspire generations of poets and activists.
Quinn Hughes
Quinn Hughes (born Oct 14, 1999) is an American professional ice hockey defenseman and captain of the Vancouver Canucks in the NHL. Known for his impressive offensive skills, he holds several franchise and league records, winning the James Norris Memorial Trophy in 2024 as the best defenseman in the NHL. Coming from a family of hockey players, including his younger brother Jack and Luke, Hughes has represented the United States in international competitions and played college hockey at the University of Michigan. With a bright future ahead, Hughes continues to make a name for himself in the world of professional hockey.
Brendan Hughes
Brendan Hughes (June 1948 – 16 February 2008) was a prominent Irish republican and former Officer Commanding of the Belfast Brigade of the Provisional Irish Republican Army (IRA). Known as 'The Dark' and 'Darkie', he led the 1980 Irish hunger strike. Hughes played a key role in IRA activities in Belfast, including the Battle of Lenadoon and the infamous Bloody Friday bombing in 1972. Despite his military success, Hughes expressed regret for the civilian casualties caused by the bombings. After his arrest and imprisonment, he continued his involvement in IRA activities within the prison walls. Hughes's life and actions remain a controversial and significant part of Irish republican history.
Vincent Hughes
Vincent J. Hughes (born Oct 26, 1956) is an American politician serving as a Democratic member of the Pennsylvania State Senate since 1994. He previously served in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and has held various leadership positions within the state legislature. Hughes is known for his advocacy on issues such as healthcare, education, and civil rights. He is married to actress Sheryl Lee Ralph and is actively involved in his community, serving as a trustee of Mt. Carmel Baptist Church.
Miko Hughes
Miko John Hughes (February 22, 1986 - ) is an American actor known for his roles in iconic films such as Pet Sematary, Kindergarten Cop, Apollo 13, and Spawn. He started his acting career at a very young age and quickly became one of the busiest child actors in Hollywood. Hughes also appeared in popular TV shows like Full House and made a mark as a musician by releasing two albums at the age of nine. In addition to his acting and musical talents, Hughes also tried his hand at directing with the horror anthology film Chilling Visions: 5 Senses of Fear.
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