NameCensus.

UK surname

Hughes

A patronymic surname of Welsh origin meaning "son of Hugh" or "descendant of Hugh."

In the 1881 census there were 83,772 people recorded with the Hughes surname, ranking it #21 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 123,230, ranked #17, up from #21 in 1881.

The strongest historical links point to Ystradyfodwg (incl. Rhigos), London parishes and Toxteth Park. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include Isle of Anglesey and Gwynedd.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Hughes is 126,755 in 2010. Compared with 1881, the name has grown by 47.1%.

1881 census count

83,772

Ranked #21

Modern count

123,230

2016, ranked #17

Peak year

2010

126,755 bearers

Map years

9

1851 to 2016

Key insights

  • Hughes had 83,772 recorded bearers in 1881, making it the #21 surname in that year.
  • The latest modern count shown here is 123,230 in 2016, ranked #17.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 106,493 in 1911.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Rural Amenity.

Hughes surname distribution map

The map shows where the Hughes surname is concentrated in each census or modern distribution year. Darker areas mean a stronger local concentration.

Distribution map

Hughes surname density by area, 1881 census.

Loading map
Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Hughes over time

The table below tracks recorded surname counts and rank from the 19th-century census years through the modern adult-register period.

Year Period Count Rank
1851 historical 56,490 #20
1861 historical 56,930 #22
1881 historical 83,772 #21
1891 historical 89,379 #22
1901 historical 102,117 #23
1911 historical 106,493 #23
1997 modern 119,902 #17
1998 modern 124,879 #17
1999 modern 126,183 #17
2000 modern 125,451 #17
2001 modern 121,977 #17
2002 modern 124,336 #17
2003 modern 121,316 #17
2004 modern 121,384 #17
2005 modern 119,724 #17
2006 modern 119,761 #17
2007 modern 120,790 #17
2008 modern 121,477 #17
2009 modern 124,289 #17
2010 modern 126,755 #17
2011 modern 124,811 #17
2012 modern 122,142 #17
2013 modern 124,515 #17
2014 modern 125,165 #17
2015 modern 123,964 #17
2016 modern 123,230 #17

Geography

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Where Hughes' are most common

Historical parish links are strongest around Ystradyfodwg (incl. Rhigos), London parishes, Toxteth Park, Manchester and Holyhead. These are the places where the surname stands out most clearly in the older records.

The modern local-area list points to Isle of Anglesey and Gwynedd. Treat these as concentration signals, not proof that every family line began there.

Some modern areas include a three-digit suffix, such as Leeds 110. The suffix is a small-area code, so it stays in the table while the prose uses the plain place name.

Top historical parishes

Rank Parish Area
1 Ystradyfodwg (incl. Rhigos) Glamorganshire
2 London parishes London 3
3 Toxteth Park Lancashire
4 Manchester Lancashire
5 Holyhead Anglesey

Top modern areas

Rank Area District
1 Isle of Anglesey 001 Isle of Anglesey
2 Gwynedd 012 Gwynedd
3 Gwynedd 011 Gwynedd
4 Gwynedd 003 Gwynedd
5 Gwynedd 008 Gwynedd

Forenames

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First names often paired with Hughes

These lists show first names that appear often with the Hughes surname in historical and recent records.

Modern profile

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Neighbourhood profile for Hughes

Modern surname records can be compared with neighbourhood classifications. For Hughes, this points to the kinds of places where the surname is most concentrated today.

These neighbourhood labels describe areas, not individual people. They are useful because surnames often cluster through family history, migration, housing patterns and local work. A surname can be strongest in one type of neighbourhood even when people with that name live across the country.

The UK classification gives the national picture. The London classification is more specific to the capital, where housing, age profile, tenure and population mix can look quite different from the rest of the UK.

UK neighbourhood type

UK Output Area Classification

Supergroup

Suburbanites and Peri-Urbanities

Group

Rural Amenity

Nationally, the Hughes surname is most associated with neighbourhoods classed as Rural Amenity, within Suburbanites and Peri-Urbanities. This does not mean every Hughes household fits that profile, but it gives a useful signal about where the modern surname distribution is strongest.

Read profile summary

Group profile

This Group comprises older parents or retirees, with no resident dependent children, and with the lowest residential densities in this Supergroup. Predominantly UK-born, residents typically live in detached houses, although others do live in semi-detached and terraced properties. The level of multiple car ownership is the highest in this Supergroup. Most houses are owner occupied although social renting is also present. Many concentrations occur in high amenity rural locations, such as Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Wider pattern

Pervasive throughout the UK, members of this Supergroup typically own (or are buying) their detached, semi-detached or terraced homes. They are also typically educated to A Level/Highers or degree level and work in skilled or professional occupations. Typically born in the UK, some families have children, although the median adult age is above 45 and some property has become under-occupied after children have left home. This Supergroup is pervasive not only in suburban locations, but also in neighbourhoods at or beyond the edge of cities that adjoin rural parts of the country.

London neighbourhood type

London Output Area Classification

Supergroup

The Greater London Mix

Group

Social Rented Sector Professional Support Workers

Within London, Hughes is most associated with areas classed as Social Rented Sector Professional Support Workers, part of The Greater London Mix. This gives the surname a London-specific profile rather than forcing the capital into the same pattern as the rest of the country.

Read profile summary

Group profile

Mainly located in Inner London, these neighbourhoods retain a diverse employment structure, with some concentration in associated professional and technical occupations rather than skilled trades or construction. Social renting is more common and levels of homeownership are low. Many residents identify as Black. There is a lower than average rate of marriage or civil partnership, few that are very old (85 or over) and higher than average incidence of disability.

Wider London pattern

A Supergroup embodying London's diversity in many respects, apart from low numbers of residents identifying as of Bangladeshi, Indian, Pakistani or Other (non-Chinese) Asian ethnicity. There is lower than average prevalence of families with dependent children, while there are above average occurrences of never-married individuals and single-person households. The age distribution is skewed towards younger, single residents and couples without children, with many individuals identifying as of mixed or multiple ethnicity. Social rented or private rented housing is slightly more prevalent than average, and many residents live in flats. Individuals typically work in professional and associated roles in public administration, education or health rather than in elementary occupations in agriculture, energy, water, construction or manufacturing. Incidence of students is slightly below average. Individuals declaring no religion are more prevalent than average and non-use of English at home is below average.

Healthy neighbourhoods

Access to healthy assets and hazards

Hughes is most concentrated in decile 5 for access to healthy assets and hazards. This places the surname near the middle of the scale.

Lower deciles point towards weaker access to healthy assets or stronger exposure to local hazards. Higher deciles point towards stronger access and fewer hazards.

5
Lower access Higher access

Neighbourhood deprivation

Index of Multiple Deprivation

Hughes falls in decile 1 for neighbourhood deprivation. This puts the surname towards the more deprived end of the index.

Decile 1 represents the more deprived end of the scale. Decile 10 represents the less deprived end.

1
More deprived Less deprived

Broadband speed

Fixed broadband download speed

The modern neighbourhood pattern for Hughes is most associated with a typical fixed broadband download band of 30-40 mbit/s.

The scale below places that band in context, from slower local download bands through to faster ones.

6
Slower band Faster band

Area snapshot

Ethnic group estimate

Most common ethnic group estimate
White - British

This describes the area pattern most associated with Hughes, not the ethnicity of every person with the surname.

Meaning and origin of Hughes

The surname Hughes originated in Wales, derived from the Welsh personal name Hugh or Huw. This was a very popular name among the Welsh, drawn from the Norman French name "Hugo," which in turn came from the Germanic word "hug" meaning heart, mind, or spirit. The surname first appeared in records in the 12th century.

The earliest recorded spelling of the name was Hughe, found in the Pipe Rolls of Gloucestershire in 1191. Other early spellings included Hugges, Huggis, and Huggess. Over time, the name evolved into its modern spelling of Hughes.

The Hughes surname was particularly prevalent in the historic counties of Anglesey, Caernarvonshire, and Denbighshire in North Wales, as well as in the counties of Cardiganshire and Carmarthenshire in South Wales. Several place names in these regions, such as Hughe's Clough and Hughe's Dale, suggest the presence of early Hughes families.

In the famous Domesday Book of 1086, compiled by order of William the Conqueror, there are no direct references to the Hughes surname, as it had not yet emerged. However, the book does mention individuals with the personal name Hugh, indicating the name's early usage in Britain.

One of the earliest recorded individuals with the Hughes surname was Rhys ap Hugh, a Welsh nobleman who lived in the late 13th century and served as a member of the council of Prince Llewelyn the Last.

Sir Edward Hughes (1720-1794) was a prominent British naval officer who played a significant role in the Anglo-French War and the American Revolutionary War. He was knighted for his service in 1783.

Richard Hughes (1900-1976) was a renowned Welsh novelist and writer, best known for his semi-autobiographical novel "A High Wind in Jamaica."

Howard Hughes (1905-1976) was an American business magnate, investor, aviator, and filmmaker, famous for his eccentric behavior and his pioneering role in the aviation industry.

Ted Hughes (1930-1998) was an influential English poet and author, who served as the Poet Laureate of England from 1984 until his death. He is widely regarded as one of the most significant poets of the 20th century.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

1881 census detail

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Hughes families in the 1881 census

These tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Hughes surname. Use the location tables for concentration, then the name and occupation tables for the people behind the surname.

Top counties

Total is the county count. Frequency and index adjust for local population size, so they are better concentration signals. Lancashire leads with 12,467 Hughes' recorded in 1881 and an index of 1.28x.

County Total Index
Lancashire 12,467 1.28x
Caernarfonshire 8,096 24.46x
Denbighshire 5,477 17.71x
Anglesey 5,393 37.17x
Middlesex 4,305 0.53x
Flintshire 4,124 18.74x
Glamorgan 3,896 2.73x
Staffordshire 3,877 1.40x
Cheshire 3,610 2.00x
Shropshire 2,290 3.24x
Warwickshire 2,239 1.08x
Merionethshire 2,160 14.42x
Surrey 1,801 0.45x
Worcestershire 1,697 1.59x
Yorkshire 1,669 0.21x
Lanarkshire 1,641 0.62x
Montgomeryshire 1,548 8.25x
Kent 1,456 0.52x
Carmarthenshire 1,454 4.21x
Cardiganshire 1,408 7.05x
Durham 1,292 0.53x
Gloucestershire 1,104 0.69x
Monmouthshire 1,061 1.79x
Pembrokeshire 617 2.37x
Herefordshire 574 1.71x
Hampshire 573 0.34x
Sussex 520 0.38x
Essex 477 0.30x
Wiltshire 460 0.64x
Berkshire 417 0.68x
Brecknockshire 373 2.28x
Renfrewshire 351 0.55x
Derbyshire 344 0.27x
Midlothian 344 0.31x
Somerset 331 0.25x
Oxfordshire 327 0.65x
Radnorshire 301 4.56x
Devon 290 0.17x
Ayrshire 276 0.45x
Angus 259 0.34x
Northumberland 249 0.20x
Northamptonshire 220 0.29x
Leicestershire 217 0.24x
Hertfordshire 216 0.38x
Buckinghamshire 214 0.43x
Cumberland 212 0.30x
Suffolk 203 0.20x
Lincolnshire 170 0.13x
Nottinghamshire 106 0.10x
Fife 101 0.21x
Cambridgeshire 88 0.17x
Dorset 85 0.16x
Bedfordshire 82 0.19x
Wigtownshire 82 0.75x
Dunbartonshire 81 0.37x
Cornwall 78 0.08x
Isle of Man 64 0.42x
Huntingdonshire 60 0.37x
Royal Navy 60 0.62x
Norfolk 57 0.05x
West Lothian 57 0.46x
Channel Islands 43 0.18x
Dumfriesshire 35 0.19x
Kirkcudbrightshire 34 0.29x
Stirlingshire 31 0.10x
Westmorland 27 0.15x
Perthshire 24 0.07x
Aberdeenshire 15 0.02x
Argyllshire 14 0.06x
Peeblesshire 12 0.31x
East Lothian 11 0.10x
Roxburghshire 11 0.07x
Rutland 11 0.18x
Selkirkshire 10 0.14x
Inverness-shire 9 0.04x
Kincardineshire 8 0.08x
Morayshire 5 0.04x
Nairnshire 4 0.16x
Banffshire 3 0.02x
Buteshire 2 0.04x
Berwickshire 1 0.01x
Caithness 1 0.01x
Clackmannanshire 1 0.01x
Ross-shire 1 0.00x

Top districts and towns

Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. Liverpool in Lancashire leads with 1,661 Hughes' recorded in 1881 and an index of 2.82x.

Place Total Index
Liverpool 1,661 2.82x
Toxteth Park 1,334 4.06x
Everton 1,185 3.83x
Birmingham 953 1.39x
West Derby 890 3.13x
Llanbeblig 827 24.62x
Holyhead 815 30.13x
Bangor 765 23.96x
Holywell 717 25.95x
Ruabon 686 16.13x
Llanddeiniolen 665 34.36x
Festiniog 652 20.63x
Aston 647 1.14x
Birkenhead 621 4.31x
Stoke Upon Trent 597 2.04x
Manchester 594 1.36x
Llanllechid 585 25.14x
Amlwch 552 40.43x
Kirkdale 550 3.37x
Ystradyfodwg 492 3.94x
Llanelly 485 6.24x
Salford 473 1.66x
Merthyr Tydfil 460 3.36x
Wolverhampton 443 2.09x
Glasgow 419 0.89x
Islington London 404 0.51x
Rhuddlan 381 19.67x
Dudley 359 2.76x
St Pancras London 358 0.54x
Barony 354 0.53x
Hulme 350 1.73x
Lambeth 349 0.49x
Sedgley 338 3.29x
Aberdare 316 3.23x
Llandwrog 308 26.56x
Bedwellty 305 2.92x
Govan 305 0.47x
Llanllyfni 299 19.14x
Mold 295 14.78x
Llanasa 290 37.99x
Whitford 280 24.55x
Ynyscynhaiarn 270 17.52x
Denbigh 265 21.35x
Camberwell 264 0.50x
Abergele 261 29.35x
Chorlton On Medlock 259 1.68x
Bethnal Green London 258 0.73x
Oswestry Town 256 11.30x
Llandudno 255 21.61x
Flint 254 20.33x
Kensington London 252 0.55x
Clase 251 4.74x
Llanrwst 242 22.61x
Llandegai 241 23.79x
Northop 239 30.67x
Llanfair Fechan 234 40.88x
Tranmere 221 3.33x
West Bromwich 221 1.40x
Swansea Town 216 1.85x
Llanrug 215 24.80x
Hackney London 214 0.47x
Bootle Cum Linacre 211 2.74x
Shoreditch London 208 0.59x
Llanwnda 205 33.42x
Oldham 204 0.65x
St Marylebone London 202 0.46x
Wrexham Regis 198 8.62x
Dwygyfylchi 195 31.88x
Liscard 195 5.99x
Chester St Oswald 191 5.84x
Hawarden 189 10.93x
Aberystwith 186 10.82x
Llanbadrig 186 62.50x
Chelsea London 174 0.71x
Widnes 174 2.48x
Nevin 173 30.79x
Bersham 171 12.97x
Brighton 167 0.60x
Llandysilio 167 36.70x
Wigan 167 1.23x
Llanberis 163 19.13x
Paddington London 162 0.54x
Walton On Hill 162 3.08x
Warrington 160 1.39x

Top female names

These are the female first names most often recorded with the Hughes surname in 1881. Names are not merged, so initials, variant spellings and transcription quirks can appear as separate rows.

Name Count
Mary 6,456
Elizabeth 3,868
Jane 2,667
Sarah 2,500
Margaret 2,340
Ann 2,076
Ellen 1,722
Catherine 1,286
Anne 988
Eliza 862
Annie 804
Hannah 762
Alice 741
Emma 663
Martha 655
Emily 538
Harriet 421
Maria 346
Louisa 303
Edith 288
Charlotte 284
Caroline 279
Fanny 257
Kate 255
Grace 235
Florence 228
Cathrine 215
Elizth. 213
Esther 207
Frances 203
Ada 202
Clara 177
Agnes 171
Margt. 171
Eleanor 161
Lucy 150
Rose 141
Margret 138
Susan 136
Amelia 134
Susannah 131
Harriett 130
Rachel 130
Ellin 127
Laura 117
Rebecca 115
Bridget 114
Sophia 113
Isabella 102
Amy 99

Top male names

These are the male first names most often recorded with the Hughes surname in 1881. Names are not merged, so initials, variant spellings and transcription quirks can appear as separate rows.

Name Count
John 6,166
William 4,924
Thomas 3,612
Robert 1,624
James 1,492
Edward 1,461
Hugh 1,442
David 1,422
George 1,354
Richard 1,318
Henry 1,119
Joseph 1,010
Charles 874
Owen 665
Samuel 584
Evan 492
Arthur 440
Alfred 439
Frederick 323
Daniel 281
Walter 278
Albert 266
Peter 263
Griffith 241
Wm. 240
Edwin 219
Benjamin 209
Thos. 199
Patrick 188
Isaac 185
Harry 182
Herbert 182
Frank 156
Francis 149
Michael 135
Ernest 134
Lewis 122
Ellis 101
Rowland 90
Morris 80
Richd. 78
Robt. 78
Jno. 72
Jonathan 67
Elias 60
Stephen 60
Fredk. 55
Moses 55
Humphrey 54
Fredrick 47

FAQ

Hughes surname: questions and answers

How common was the Hughes surname in 1881?

In 1881, 83,772 people were recorded with the Hughes surname. That placed it at #21 in the surname rankings for that year.

How common is the Hughes surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 123,230 in 2016. That gives Hughes a modern rank of #17.

What does the Hughes surname mean?

A patronymic surname of Welsh origin meaning "son of Hugh" or "descendant of Hugh."

What does the Hughes map show?

The map shows local surname concentration for the selected year. Darker areas have a stronger concentration of Hughes bearers relative to the surrounding population.

What records is this surname page based on?

The historical counts come from census surname records. The modern counts and neighbourhood summaries come from later surname distribution records. Counts are recorded bearers in those records, not a live estimate of everyone with the name today.