Pugh Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Pugh come from? What does the surname Pugh mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Pugh and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Pugh Origin: What does the last name Pugh mean?
The surname Pugh has Welsh and Irish origins, with the Welsh meaning 'son of Hugh'. The name first appeared in historical records in the United Kingdom, specifically England, around the early 16th century. It was closely associated with England and Wales in the 16th and 17th centuries but started gaining prominence in the United States during the 18th century. By the 19th century, the United States had the highest frequency of the Pugh surname, surpassing the United Kingdom. Today, the surname Pugh is most common in the United States, but it can still be found in its country of origin and possibly elsewhere.
YourRoots data confirms the historical presence of the Pugh surname in the United Kingdom since the early 16th century. The surname's frequency increased significantly in the United States over the centuries, indicating a shift in prevalence from the UK to the US. Today, the United States continues to have the highest frequency of the Pugh surname, with records also showing its presence in the United Kingdom and potentially other regions around the world.
Pugh Last Name History: Where did the last name Pugh come from?
Origin of Pugh Surname: Where does the last name Pugh originate from?
Per the YourRoots database, the surname Pugh first appeared in the historical records in the United Kingdom, specifically England, around the early 16th century. This conclusion is based solely on YourRoots data for the exact “Pugh” spelling and does not encompass other record sources or surname variations.
History of the Last Name Pugh: What does the Pugh surname history look like in the early days?
The “Pugh” surname was closely associated with the United Kingdom, particularly in England and Wales, from the 16th through the 17th century. However, the frequency of the Pugh surname started increasing significantly in the United States during the 18th century, according to YourRoots data. This indicates a shift in the surname's prevalence from the United Kingdom to the United States.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Pugh surname today?
By the 19th century, the volume of records with the Pugh surname had grown substantially in the United States, surpassing that in the United Kingdom. In the 20th century, the United States continued to have the highest frequency of the Pugh surname, according to the YourRoots database. Today, although the surname Pugh is most common in the United States, it can still be found in its country of origin, the United Kingdom, and possibly elsewhere.
Explore Pugh last name heritage and Pugh surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Pugh Surame?
Florence Pugh
Florence Pugh (January 3, 1996 - ) is an English actress known for her roles in various acclaimed films and TV series. She gained recognition for her performances in "Lady Macbeth," "Midsommar," and "Little Women." Pugh also joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Yelena Belova in "Black Widow." With nominations for prestigious awards like the BAFTA and Academy Award, Pugh continues to impress audiences with her versatile acting skills. Born in Oxford, England, Pugh overcame health challenges in her childhood to become a rising star in the entertainment industry.
Robert Pugh
Robert Pugh (November 3, 1948 - ) is a Welsh actor known for his role as Craster in the popular HBO series Game of Thrones. Born in Tyntetown, Mountain Ash, Pugh's acting career spans television, film, and stage. He has portrayed a wide range of characters, including Harold Wilson in Longford and Hermann Göring in Nuremberg: Nazis on Trial. Pugh has also appeared in Doctor Who, Torchwood, and The White Queen. With a strong presence in Welsh productions, Pugh continues to showcase his talent in various roles, captivating audiences with his versatile performances.
Catherine Pugh
Catherine Elizabeth Pugh (March 10, 1950 - ) is an American former politician who served as the 51st mayor of Baltimore, Maryland, from 2016 to 2019. She entered Maryland politics in 1999, eventually becoming a prominent figure in the state's General Assembly. Pugh's political career was overshadowed by a scandal involving self-dealing and fraudulent book transactions, leading to her resignation, criminal charges, and imprisonment. Despite her downfall, she made significant contributions to Baltimore's public safety, education, and economic policies during her tenure, leaving a mixed legacy in local politics.
Willard E. Pugh
Willard Earl Pugh (born Jun 16, 1959) is an American actor known for his roles in mainstream Hollywood films like The Color Purple and Air Force One, as well as genre films like RoboCop 2. Pugh also lent his voice to a California Raisin and appeared in The Super Mario Bros. Super Show!. With a background in teaching broadcasting and film, he has made a mark in the entertainment industry both on and off the screen.
Madelyn Pugh
Madelyn Pugh (March 15, 1921 – April 20, 2011) was an American television writer known for her work on the iconic series "I Love Lucy" in the 1950s. She collaborated with Bob Carroll Jr. to create scripts for Lucille Ball's shows and helped shape the beloved character of Lucy. Pugh and Carroll received multiple Emmy nominations for their writing on the series and continued their successful partnership in other TV projects like "The Lucy Show" and "Alice." Pugh's memoir, "Laughing with Lucy," gives insight into her life as a pioneering female writer in the entertainment industry.
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