Pugh

Pugh is a surname of Welsh origin, derived from the given name Hugh, via the patronymic forms ap Huw or ap Hugh, meaning "son of Hugh." The spelling Pugh is common in Wales and has spread to other English-speaking countries through migration and settlement. As a surname, Pugh is found across various regions and can be encountered in historical records, genealogies, and contemporary lists of names.

In design and engineering, Pugh's concept selection method, commonly called the Pugh matrix, is a structured decision-making technique developed by Stuart Pugh in the 1980s. It systematically compares multiple design concepts against a defined set of criteria using a reference concept. Each concept is assessed relative to the reference across the criteria, typically using plus/minus signs or simple numerical values. This approach helps identify strong and weak options, enabling rapid concept screening before more detailed development. The method emphasizes simplicity, collaboration, and transparency, and it has been widely adopted in product development and engineering design to support early-stage decision-making.

Notable people with the surname span fields such as politics, sports, arts, and academia. The name remains a common marker of Welsh heritage in diverse cultural contexts, reflecting its origins and subsequent dispersion.