Boy name · English
Hudson
“son of Hudd; explorer surname”
Vibes
Common nicknames
Short-forms and diminutives parents often use for Hudson.
Explore Hudson further
Similar-feel alternatives, or middle-name candidates that pair well with Hudson — both ranked by the same scoring system (vibe overlap, syllable rhythm, origin compatibility).
About the name
Hudson is an English surname — "son of Hudd," a medieval pet form of Hugh — but its American life belongs to the river, named for explorer Henry Hudson, that defined New York.
The name rode the surname wave into the top 60, holding fifty-sixth in 2024, with a geographic sweep (the river, the bay, the valley) that gives it built-in landscape.
Hudson feels like waterfront property: expansive, confident, slightly preppy. Hud is a sleeper nickname with western grit. It pairs well with classic middles (Hudson Charles, Hudson Gray). On our map it reads Heirloom-Americana with Nature-Inspired shoreline.
More English names
Hudson sits in our English set — these share its roots.
All English names →Hudson — common questions
Is Hudson a boy or girl name?
Hudson is traditionally a boy name of English origin. It ranked #17 among US boys' names in 2025.
What does the name Hudson mean?
Hudson means “son of Hudd; explorer surname” of English origin. Hudson is an English surname — "son of Hudd," a medieval pet form of Hugh — but its American life belongs to the river, named for explorer Henry Hudson, that defined New York.
Where does the name Hudson come from?
Hudson is English in origin. The name rode the surname wave into the top 60, holding fifty-sixth in 2024, with a geographic sweep (the river, the bay, the valley) that gives it built-in landscape.
What are common nicknames for Hudson?
Hud and Huds — the short-forms parents most often use for Hudson.
How popular is Hudson?
Hudson ranked #17 in US Social Security Administration data for 2025, which puts it solidly in everyday use.
Bring the name into the room
A couple of nice things named Hudson you might want for the nursery.