"son of Hudd"
Origin: English
Language: English
Hudson
Pronunciation: [ h-UHDS-uhn ]
Does Hudson flow with your last name?
An explorer's legacy as a first name
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Meaning & Origin
"son of the hood/hooded man"
Origin: Old English
Language: English
"heart, mind, spirit"
Origin: Old German
Language: English
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The Story of Hudson
Hudson is an English surname turned given name, meaning son of Hudd. Hudd was a medieval diminutive of Hugh, itself from the Old German Hug meaning heart, mind, spirit. Henry Hudson, the 17th century English explorer, lent his surname to the Hudson River, Hudson Bay, and Hudson Strait — three of North America's most iconic waterways. The name moved from surname to first name in the late 20th century.
Hudson entered the US top 100 around 2010 and climbed rapidly to the top 60 by the 2020s. It rode the wave of surname-as-first-name fashion alongside Jackson, Mason, and Parker. The Hudson River's iconic association with New York City gave it an urban-cool edge while its exploration connection kept it rugged.
Henry Hudson's 1609 voyage into the river that bears his name opened northeastern North America to European settlement. Hudson Bay is one of the world's largest bodies of water. The Hudson River School was America's first major native art movement. Hudson's Bay Company, founded 1670, is one of the oldest corporations in North America.
Historical Record
Hudson first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 104,279 babies have been named Hudson in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Hudson is rising quickly in popularity , currently ranked #22 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Henry Hudson disappeared on his final voyage in 1611 when his crew mutinied and set him adrift on the bay that bears his name
- Hudson's Bay Company, named after the bay, is one of the oldest companies in North America still in operation
- The Hudson River Valley was home to America's first major indigenous art movement in the 19th century
Hudson in Other Languages
French
Hudson
German
Hudson
Spanish
Hudson
Popularity Over Time
#22
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Rising Fast
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Hudson
J
Jennifer Hudson
Musician
1981
American singer and actress, Academy Award winner for Dreamgirls and EGOT winner
R
Rock Hudson
Actor
1925
American film star of the 1950s and 1960s known for his roles in romantic dramas and comedies
H
Henry Hudson
Explorer
1565
English explorer who charted the Hudson River and Hudson Bay, disappearing on his final voyage in 1611
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #22
- Total SSA Count
- 7,990
- Cultural Origins
- American English Canadian
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Casual
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Alternative Spellings
Popular in These States
Top states by rank · 2024
Common Nicknames
Hud
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Hudson
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Hudson is also used as a girl name, ranked #2247.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Hudson
What does the name Hudson mean?
"son of Hudd" (from English). "son of the hood/hooded man" (from Old English). "heart, mind, spirit" (from Old German). Hudson is an English surname turned given name, meaning son of Hudd. Hudd was a medieval diminutive of Hugh, itself from the Old German Hug meaning heart, mind, spirit. Henry Hudson, the 17th century English explorer, lent his surname to the Hudson River, Hudson Bay, and Hudson Strait — three of North America's most iconic waterways. The name moved from surname to first name in the late 20th century.
What is the origin of the name Hudson?
Hudson has English, Old English, Old German, American, and Canadian origins. In English, it means "son of Hudd". In Old English, it means "son of the hood/hooded man". In Old German, it means "heart, mind, spirit".
Is Hudson a boy or girl name?
Hudson is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #22. As a girl name, it is ranked #2247. Hudson is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Hudson?
Hudson is pronounced h-UHDS-uhn.
How popular is the name Hudson?
Hudson is currently ranked #22 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Hudson?
Common nicknames for Hudson include Hud.
What are good middle names for Hudson?
Popular middle name pairings include Hudson James, Hudson Cole, Hudson Thomas, Hudson Grey, Hudson Reid, Hudson Blake, and Hudson Lee.
What are good sibling names for Hudson?
Names that pair well with Hudson as siblings include Scarlett, Parker, Emerson, Finley, Brooklyn, Sawyer, and Harlow.
How many syllables does Hudson have?
Hudson has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Hudson a common or rare name?
Hudson is a very popular name, ranked #22 among boy names in the United States.
What boy names are similar to Hudson?
About the Name Hudson
Hudson is a boy name with American, English, and Canadian origins . The name means "son of Hudd" in English .
Is Hudson a boy or girl name? Hudson is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #22 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #2,247. Hudson is more commonly used as a boy name.
Hudson is currently ranked #22 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Hudson has 2 syllables and is pronounced h-UHDS-uhn, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Hudson include Hud. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Hudson include Hudsyn, Hudsen . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis