Hudson \hu(d)-son\ as a boy's name is of Old English origin, and the meaning of Hudson is "son of Hugh". Explorer Henry Hudson was the first European to visit the Hudson River, which he found while searching for a Northwest Passage to India. He also sailed into Hudson Bay in Canada on a later voyage.

Similar baby names are Judson, Hanson, Edson, Hedeon, Hadon, Haddon, Hewson, Hobson, Hodgson, Hutton and Judsen.