McHugh

McHugh is an Irish surname derived from Gaelic forms such as Mac Aodha or Ó hAodha, usually rendered in English as McHugh. The given name Aodh is the Gaelic form of Hugh, so the name broadly means “son of Hugh” or “descendant of Aodh.” The surname is historically associated with Ulster and parts of Connacht and has spread worldwide through Irish migration to North America, Britain, and Australia.

Variants and related spellings include MacHugh and the Gaelic forms MacAodha and Ó hAodha, with McHugh appearing in many historical and contemporary records. The name is often encountered in counties across Ireland and among the Irish diaspora, where it has integrated into local naming traditions while retaining its Gaelic roots.

Notable people with the surname McHugh include John M. McHugh, an American politician who served in the U.S. House of Representatives and later as Secretary of the Army; Maureen F. McHugh, an American science fiction writer known for her novels and stories; Colin McHugh, an American professional baseball pitcher; and Caitlin McHugh, an American actress and former model. The surname is also borne by many others in fields ranging from sports and politics to academia and the arts, reflecting its widespread presence in Irish-descended communities.

See also McHugh family crest and histories, which document regional associations and surname traditions in parts of Ireland and the Irish diaspora.