Origin & Meaning of the Hughes Surname
What does the last name Hughes mean?
The surname Hughes carries the meaning "Son of Hughes." It is derived from the Germanic language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 236,271 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Hughes ranks as the #90 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Hughes come from?
The Hughes surname has its roots in Welsh/English heritage. Names of Welsh/English origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Hughes name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Hughes trace back to Germanic. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Hughes |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Hughes |
| Origin | Welsh/English |
| Language | Germanic |
| US Rank (2010) | #90 |
| US Count (2010) | 236,271 |
| Per 100K People | 80.1 |
| First Letter | H |
Ethnic Distribution of Hughes
According to the US Census, the Hughes surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 236,271 Americans with the Hughes last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 78.39% |
| Black | 16.13% |
| Hispanic | 2.47% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.5% |
| Native American | 0.53% |
| Two or More Races | 1.97% |
Popularity of Hughes Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Hughes surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Hughes surname increased by 6,881 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Hughes Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Hughes ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Similar Surnames to Hughes
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Hughes.
Other Welsh/English Surnames
Explore more surnames with Welsh/English roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same Welsh/English origin as Hughes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hughes
Related Searches
People searching for information about the Hughes surname also look for: