140 Hungarian Boy Names That Pack European Charm
A medley of quintessential names from the gorgeous landlocked country.
The distinct appeal of Hungarian baby boy names, rooted in their linguistic and cultural uniqueness, is believed to captivate parents. Like other cultures, Hungarians also have both surnames and given names. However, they may have multiple given names. However, only one remains in common use. One trait that makes the Hungarian naming convention distinctive from other Europeans is the adherence to the ‘Eastern Name Order.’ In this, the family name takes precedence. Interestingly, this convention is followed in several other cultures like Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese, and Basque. In cases of multiple personal names, they follow an order of importance after the family name (1). Likewise, multiple family names can be presented in either full form or as initials.
Hungarian names intricately intertwine with the nation's religious and dynastic past. A multitude of Hungarians bear names derived from the names of revered saints, marked by specific celebratory dates. While paternal surnames are customary, hyphenated names are gaining prevalence among the younger generation. A married Hungarian woman has several options for changing her name, such as keeping her maiden name or adopting her husband's surname alongside her given name. She has the option of incorporating 'né' into her name as well. For instance, if Andor Szabo (male) marries Eniko Horvath (female), her name may become Eniko Horvathné or Enikoné Andor Szabo.
Many Hungarian names have abbreviated versions. It is usual for individuals to use their full name professionally or when interacting with unfamiliar individuals while opting for the shorter version among close friends and family.
Under Hungarian law, a maximum of two surnames are allowed for children born as citizens of the nation. The choice of given names, limited to one or two, is drawn from an official list containing thousands of options. In cases where a name isn't listed, parents must seek approval through the Research Institute for Linguistics of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences (2). These criteria ensure names are respectful, easily written and spoken, and distinguishable as male or female. So, if you feel intrigued by these characteristics of Hungarian baby boy names, check out the comprehensive list of handpicked names to pick one for your little cutie.
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Name | Gender | Meaning | |
---|---|---|---|
| Boy | Bringer of light; From Lucania; Light | |
| Boy | God has healed | |
| Boy | God is with us | |
| Boy | Prosperous spear | |
| Boy | Bean farmer | |
| Boy | Dove; God is gracious | |
| Boy | Noble; Bright | |
| Boy | Light; Illumination | |
| Boy | Famous land; Glorious territory; From the famous land | |
| Boy | Exalted; High mountain; Teaching; Singing | |
| Girl | God is my judge | |
| Boy | Famous in the land | |
| Boy | Raven; Dark-haired person | |
| Boy | Lord of the house; Estate ruler 80 | |
| Boy | Belonging to the Lord; Our Lord | |
| Boy | God is with us | |
| Boy | Conquering; To conquer | |
| Boy | A flock; Handsome; Beautiful | |
| Boy | Army friend; Boar friend | |
| Boy | Soldier; Protector; Guardian; Universal; Whole | |
| Boy | Famous; Loud; Champion | |
| Boy | God's gift | |
| Boy | Born Again; Reborn; Rebirth | |
| Boy | Famous ruler; Thrush; Blackbird; Powerful king | |
| Boy | Rich friend | |
| Boy | Servant of God | |
| Unisex | Twin; Wealth; Abundance; Capital; Beautiful | |
| Boy | Remainder; Dove; Beautiful name | |
| Boy | Constant; Steadfast; Firm | |
| Boy | Rest; Quiet | |
| Boy | Blessed | |
| Boy | Bright North; Northern brightness | |
| Boy | To conquer | |
| Boy | Ruler; Sultan | |
| Boy | Noble wolf | |
| Unisex | To defend; To help; Defender | |
| Boy | King; Great; Brave; Home; Vigorous ruler | |
| Boy | To defend or to help mankind | |
| Boy | A noble patrician | |
| Boy | Little father | |
| Boy | Father-like | |
| Boy | Son of Evan; To cover | |
| Boy | Raven | |
| Boy | Mt. Tabor, a mountain in Nazareth; Navel; A height; An encampment | |
| Boy | Servant | |
| Boy | Male; Manly; Brave; Virility | |
| Boy | Manly; Brave; Home ruler | |
| Boy | Crown; Wealth | |
| Boy | The victory of the people | |
| Boy | Lion of God; Strength of God | |
| Unisex | Ruler of the home | |
| Boy | One who is helped by God | |
| Boy | Kingly; Royal; Brave | |
| Boy | Descendant of Dorus; Of Doris; From the sea | |
| Girl | Scribe; Cleric; Country; Homeland; Gift; Expensive wood | |
| Boy | Proper use; Good conduct; Honor; Praise; Esteem; Barrel maker | |
| Boy | Daring and experienced counsel | |
| Boy | Will be | |
| Boy | Bright fame | |
| Boy | Peace | |
| Boy | Frenchman | |
| Unisex | Muscle; Brawn; Muscularity | |
| Boy | Elm army; Elm spear; Noble fame; Nourishing; Soul | |
| Boy | White falcon; Of the Lord | |
| Boy | God is my strong man; Man of God; Champion of God | |
| Boy | Well-born; Noble | |
| Boy | God will add | |
| Boy | Bearing Christ | |
| Boy | A gift from the God | |
| Boy | A battling, fighting, warring individual | |
| Boy | Famous wolf | |
| Boy | The oak tree; Poplar tree | |
| Boy | Of Tibur | |
| Unisex | Zala river in Hungary | |
| Unisex | From Laurentum | |
| Boy | Wel-born; Rich protection; Star | |
| Boy | Barley; Stye | |
| Boy | Friend; To be maintained | |
| Boy | Police officer; Peacemaker | |
| Boy | A surname | |
| Boy | Immortal | |
| Boy | Manly; Masculine; Eagle | |
| Boy | Flower | |
| Boy | A title of Hungarian nobility; Financial institution; Bench | |
| Boy | Son of Talmai | |
| Boy | A warrior who wields mace | |
| Boy | A rib | |
| Boy | A gift sent fom heaven | |
| Boy | A pet name | |
| Boy | Follower of god who loves detail | |
| Boy | He who Belongs to the God | |
| Boy | A practical, efficient, and down-to-earth being | |
| Boy | A dark man; efficient and loving | |
| Boy | Wealth; Fortune; Battle; Prosperous in strife | |
| Unisex | Cobbler | |
| Boy | He who is like a wolf | |
| Boy | Blond or light-haired; Golden-haired | |
| Boy | Fortunate; Blessed; Happy | |
| Boy | Peaceful commander | |
| Boy | One who admires horses | |
Hungarian baby boy names are known to possess a rich historical heritage. They are a blend of timeless traditions and fresh innovations that present parents with a diverse selection. We hope that the names in our list spark your curiosity and inspire you to delve deeper into their meanings. So, check out our comprehensive list of Hungarian names for your little sunshine of a boy and take your pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are some Hungarian baby boy names with religious or historical significance?
There are quite a few Hungarian baby boy names with religious and historical significance. For example, Adojan implies ‘from the Adriatic.’ Agoston, a Hungarian variant of Gustaaf, signifies 'staff of the gods.' The popular name Dominik means ‘one who is born out of Gods.’ Marton means ‘a warring individual.’ The Hungarian name Árpád is also historically significant. Árpád was the leader of the confederation of the Magyar tribes in the 9th and 10th centuries. Likewise, the Hungarian name Béla is also linked to the country's history. Béla IV was the king of Hungary, and his reign was marked by serious Mongol invasions.
2. How have Hungarian baby boy names evolved over time?
The history of the Hungarian language starts with the Uralic era, in the Neolithic age (3). At this time, the linguistic ancestors of all Uralic languages existed together in the Ural Mountains. Numerous Hungarian words, especially in the language's basic vocabulary, have a Uralic origin. The Turkish occupation of Hungary in the 16th and 17th centuries influenced the naming tradition, with many Iranian and Turkish words entering the language (4). At this time, Hungarians developed culturally. Their borrowed vocabulary had terms referring to elegant dressing. Words of a learned upper-class society also entered the language. These factors played a role in Hungarian baby boy names as we know them today.
3. What cultural or societal factors influence the choice of Hungarian baby boy names?
In Hungary, children often take their father’s surnames. Some names correspond to a saint. These have an associated date when the specific saint’s day is celebrated.
4. How do Hungarian baby boy names differ from those of neighboring Central European countries?
Hungary is a unique European nation because Hungarians speak a language unrelated to any other major European language (5). Hungarians usually first put family names, except foreign names, in their speech and text. The Hungarian language has distinct orthographic rules. So, names may have different spelling patterns than those in neighboring European countries.
5. What is the process for legally naming a baby boy in Hungary?
In Hungary, a baby’s name must be selected from a list of pre-approved names. You must apply for approval if your chosen name is absent from the list. Applications are considered by the Research Institute for Linguistics of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences following a set of principles (7).
6. What are the unique baby boy naming traditions or customs in Hungary?
Hungarian names often have a single given name. They also have only one surname. Surnames are taken from common sources like trades, traits, ethnic origins, and names of places. A title of nobility is inserted before the surname. When a baby is baptized, they can get an additional or baptismal name. This is true, especially if there is no saint with their name. The child then takes a name associated with a patron saint (7).
7. What are the Hungarian names for Hunter?
Vadász and Vadászó are two names that mean hunter and hunter-man, respectively.
8. What is the Hungarian name for Gypsy?
The Hungarian word Cigany, which has been a part of the Hungarian language since the Middle Ages, means gypsy. The most common surname of Romanian/Gypsy/Hungarian origin is "Móré.' It implies Romanian or Gypsy (8).
Infographic: Exquisite Hungarian Names For Baby Boys
Selecting a Hungarian name for a parent of Hungarian ancestry can foster a link to their heritage. However, regardless of your origin, if you are in awe of Hungary’s lush scenery or its distinct linguistic and cultural attributes, these names are bound to captivate your imagination. Explore our infographic featuring carefully chosen Hungarian baby boy names to find an apt title.
References
- A GUIDE TO NAMES AND NAMING PRACTICES.
https://www.fbiic.gov/public/2008/nov/Naming_practice_guide_UK_2006.pdf - TRENDS IN THE CHOICE OF FIRST NAMES IN HUNGARY SINCE THE SECOND HALF OF THE 20TH CENTURY
https://mnytud.arts.unideb.hu/nevtan/informaciok/pisa/rj-a.pdf - The Origin of The Magyar-Hungarians Language Homeland Migrations and Legends to the Conquest.
https://www.utoledo.edu/library/virtualexhibitions/mppcoll/images/History/Perry.pdf - Hungary’s relations with the Ottoman Empire.
https://erdem.gov.tr/tam-metin-pdf/580/eng - What makes the Hungarian language so special.
https://hungariancitizenship.eu/blog/what-makes-the-hungarian-language-so-special/ - Hungary personal names.
https://www.familysearch.org/en/wiki/Hungary_Personal_Names - Hungary: Traditional Roma names; name-changing practices after marriage; languages spoken by Roma including variations in spoken Hungarian (2015-December 2017).
https://www.refworld.org/docid/5b9bc76b4.html
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