| ![Show Contents]() Hugues History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
- Origins Available:
France
Etymology of HuguesWhat does the name Hugues mean? The surname Hugues is a name whose history dates far back into the mists of Medieval France to a region once known as Brittany (French: Bretagne). It is a name for the Germanic personal name Hugo, which itself comes from the Old German word "hug," which means "intelligence." Early Origins of the Hugues familyThe surname Hugues was first found in Languedoc, where the family has held a family seat since very early times. Throughout the centuries this ancient family expanded, developed, and grew in size and influence. By the 17th century the family was well established in the region of Languedoc and several members of this well known family were distinctive in their contribution toward the community in which they lived and were rewarded with lands, titles and letters patent confirming their nobility. Descending from the original line of Languedoc was Noble Guillaume Hugues, who as rewarded for his large contribution in the religious affairs of the region was elevated to Archbishop of Embrun in 1612. Along with the event of their time, members of this celebrated family pursued their belief with strong conviction for their King, crown and country and served as Gentlemen of the Chamber and Advisors of the King. The family of Languedoc knew further development and in 1695 the head of the family branch of Aix was elected Mayor. This esteemed family also had members who were responsible for the business matters of the region of Provence. Early History of the Hugues familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Hugues research. Another 63 words (4 lines of text) covering the year 1090 is included under the topic Early Hugues History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Hugues Spelling VariationsOne can encounter great variation in the spelling of French surnames; in part, as spelling, and the spelling names was not yet standardized during the early development of the written French language. Later, there was much branching and movement of families, and spellings would change according to region. Variations of the name Hugues include Hugues, de Hugues, Hughues, Hougues, Houghues, Ugues, Huggues and many more. Early Notables of the Hugues familyMore information is included under the topic Early Hugues Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Hugues RankingIn France, the name Hugues is the 919th most popular surname with an estimated 5,637 people with that name. 1
| Hugues migration to the United States | + |
French settlers came early to North American, following in the wake of the explorers, and creating New France. Quebec City, founded in 1608 by Samuel de Champlain is said to have been the first American site founded as a permanent settlement, rather than as just a commercial outpost. But emigration was slow, in 1643, 109 years after the first landings by Cartier, there were only about 300 French people in Quebec, and by 1663, when the region was officially made The Royal Colony of New France, by Louis XIV, there still only around 500 settlers. Over 2,000 would arrive during the next decade. Early marriage was desperately encouraged amongst the immigrants. Youths of 18 took fourteen-year-old girls for their wives. The fur trade was developed and attracted immigrants, both noble and commoner from France. By 1675, there were around 7000 French in the colony, and by that same year the Acadian presence in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island had reached 500. In 1755, 10,000 French Acadians refused to take an oath of allegiance to England and were deported to Louisiana. Despite the loss of the Colony to England, the French people flourished in Lower Canada. Among settlers to North America of the Hugues surname were
Hugues Settlers in United States in the 18th Century- John Hugues, who arrived in Philadelphia in 1797
| Contemporary Notables of the name Hugues (post 1700) | + |
- Martin Hugues, Manager of Quebec City
- Pierre Joseph Hugues, Officer of the Legion of Honour, Bank Manager
- Maurice Alfred Clovis Hugues, Lawyer, Paris
- Emile Hugues, Notary, Senator and former Minister, Paris
- André Paul Hugues, Officer of the Legion of Honour, Military Cross, General Inspector of the Bank of France
- Jean Hugues Gambin, French Brigadier General during the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars from 1789 to 1815 2
- Hugues Randolph Gall (1940-2024), French opera manager and head of the Grand Théâtre de Genève and the Paris Opera
- Hugues C. Pernath (1931-1975), pseudonym of Hugo Wouters, Belgian writer
- Hugues Meunier, French Brigadier General during the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars from 1789 to 1815 3
- Hugues Alexandre Joseph Meunier, French Divisional General during the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars from 1789 to 1815 3
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