The reason why it's called a hug is because the word hug comes from the Old Norse word of "hugga".
Hugga means to comfort or console someone.
So when you hug someone you're comforting or consoling the person with the hug and the comforting and consoling of someone is improves someones mood.
The words comfort and console are also in turn related to the Old Norse word hugr, which means courage or mood and the association with comfort and warmth also aligns with the act of hugging, that also often provides someone with a sense of well being and security.
Another theory about the word hug is a possible connection to the German word of hegen, which means to cherish or foster although this is less widely accepted.
The English word of hug also first appeared in the 1560s.
Hugs can be very good for improving someones mood if they want a hug but you should never force a hug on someone.
The more hugs you give someone, the more endorphins are released.
And the more hugs the merrier.
And looking a little deeper into the neuroscience behind hugs, it's also noted that hugging releases the hormone oxytocin.
The elevation in oxytocin from the hugs can support not only heart health but its also known to create feelings of happiness.