Hungarian Sirnames, just like in other countries, often refer to a profession such as Smith, Tailor or Miller. But in Hungary it is also common to have countries as a surname for example Német (German), Horváth (Croat) or Tóth (Slovak) which obviously comes from the former great Hungary when parts of surrounding countries belonged to Hungary. Below you can find a list of the 20 most common Surnames in Hungary which make a total of 21% of the population (arround 2 million in total) that is approximately the size of Budapest. So here we go.

  1. Nagy
    Meaning “Large” or “Tall” and approximately 240.000 people have this surname in Hungary
  2. Kovács
    Meanting “Smith” around 220.000 people have that name
  3. Tóth
    Meaning “Slovak” with approximately 215.000 people
  4. Szabó
    Meaning “Tailor” with 210.000 people
  5. Horváth
    Meaning “Croat” with 200.000 people
  6. Varga
    Meaning “Shoemaker” with 140.000 people
  7. Kiss
    Meaning “little” with 130.000 people
  8. Molnár
    Meaning “Miller” with 110.000 people
  9. Németh
    Meaning “German” with 92.000 people
  10. Farkas
    Meaning “Wolf” with 83.000 people
  11. Balogh
    Meaning “Left-handed” with 80.000 people
  12. Papp
    Meaning “priest” with 53.000 people
  13. Takács
    Meaning “Weaver” with 52.500 people
  14. Juhász
    Meaning “Shepherd” with 51.000 people
  15. Lakatos
    Meaning “Locksmith” with 46.000 people
  16. Mészáros
    Meaning “butcher” with 40.500 people
  17. Oláh
    Meaning “Vlach/Romanic” with 38.000 people
  18. Simon
    Just like Simon, also a given name with 38.000 people
  19. Rácz
    Meaning “Serb” with 35.000 people
  20. Fekete
    Meaning “black” with 35.000 people

So these are the 20 most common surnames in Hungary and the chances that you meant somebody with one of the names is quite high since they represent one fifth of the entire population. For Hungarian given names check out the calendar of Hungarian Name Days which is a very popular celebration in Hungary.

147 Comments

  • Reply
    Edmond O'Ryan
    25th April 2013

    I am trying to discover what my great-grandmother’s maiden name may have been. She was born in Hungary in 1866. American records mostly giver her maiden name as “Bayshower”, although one gives “Becraver”.

    Thank you,

    Ed

  • Reply
    rick
    17th March 2015

    Hungrian origin of bezelitch? or bezelech? how to correctly spell bezelich. please advise and help.

    • Reply
      Karl
      10th April 2016

      Looks like a slavic Name bezelič, ič names are all slavic and most commonly found in the former jugoslavia but also commonly found in slovakia. Maybe that will help

  • Reply
    Brittney
    4th May 2015

    I am looking for any Relatives from Budapest my moms dad’s name was George Gerenser and hes from there I was wondering is there is anyone out there with the same last name that I can connect with?

    • Reply
      Michael
      15th March 2017

      Hello,
      I am Michael Gerenser, I was looking throught internet when I see your message. I would like to get in touch with you. Please, write me to my private email

      • Reply
        Daniel
        22nd September 2018

        Hi,
        Possibly Gerenser is Gerencsér? See https://hu.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gerencs%C3%A9r_(egy%C3%A9rtelm%C5%B1s%C3%ADt%C5%91_lap)

        George Gerenser – > Gerencsér György ?
        Could be a Slovakian name, there is a village called Gerencser (in Hungarian) in Slovakia. It means potter. https://hu.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gerencs%C3%A9r_(Szlov%C3%A1kia)

        Best,
        Daniel

        • Reply
          Stefan
          16th September 2019

          Gerencsér is an Hungarian name of village Nitrianske Hrnčiarovce, near Nitra town (www.nitrianskehrnciarovce.sk). I think, Gerenser is just an misspelled Gerencser name.

        • Reply
          Dana
          25th January 2021

          My great grandfather Samuel BRAUN was born in Nagyszőlős, Hungary (now Ukraine) in 1879. Nagyszőlős translates big grape/vine. I can not find info on his surname BRAUN. I know the German translation is brown, but what would have been the family name back then? His father Adolf BRAUN (1858?) was a tailor and Jewish.

    • Reply
      Susan
      5th April 2021

      Does anyone know the name Peremicki or szecsi in Hungarian these are my great grandparents

    • Reply
      Susan
      5th April 2021

      Does anyone know the name Peremicki or szecsi in Hungarian these are my great grandparents trying to find further back

    • Reply
      Susan
      5th April 2021

      Looking for szecsi family

    • Reply
      Susan
      5th April 2021

      Looking for Hungarian relatives with last name peremicki

    • Reply
      Susan
      5th April 2021

      Looking for Hungarian relatives

  • Reply
    Rebekkah
    2nd June 2015

    Just curious, is Stultz a Hungarian surname?? My dad swears up and down it’s Hungarian but whenever I do a web search it comes up with only German origins…

    • Reply
      Karl
      10th April 2016

      Its german but it could be from hungary as many hungarians have typical german surnames.

  • Reply
    Ruperto
    7th September 2015

    I am trying to find out an exchange student of 15 years ago that was from Budapest Hungary and came to the United States {Kansas) to work and attend college, her first name was Edina and her last time I still have trouble completing her actual name. (Which is similar to “Rozsahegyi} but not completely sure… I know she has since married as this would be her maiden name, if you have any Information my family is trying desperately to reach out to her, Thank you, Ruperto Aguirre silverfoxuno@hotmail.com

  • Reply
    chantell
    14th August 2016

    looking to find out something about my great grandmother in Budapest, Hungary . she and her sister was from there born and raised . Her name is Helena last name i dont know if i am spelling it right but is pinchia

    • Reply
      J
      23rd August 2020

      Dear Mr. Aguirre
      I saw your inquiry when browsing this website. Although I do not have knowledge of the person you are seeking. Your attempt to provide an accurate last name of the person you are searching for caught my eye. My last name is similar to the “last name you provided”. I have not heard of the last name you wrote but if I understand correctly, you said, the Last name you wrote in ” ” was a guess on your part, as to how the name Might be Spelled out or Pronounced? My last name is Rozgonyi, of Hungarian nationality. The name you wrote that you said is not the correct spelling but you felt your spelling was close to the correct name. Most of the letters you used are also contained in my last name. A suggestion is you might try searching for Rozgonyi because your guess – timate is close. Rozgonyi is pronounced Rose – Gone – E. Your posting is from 5 yrs ago and this is something unusual for me to do but I noticed you said you are DESPERATE to locate Ms. Edina. I understand the feeling of Desperation and I’ve taken time out to reach out to you, with the hope tl Ms Edina was located long ago but I hope and Pray for that you will be free from desperation, regardless that my note is 5 years late. Please feel free to contact me. Trusting this finds you well.
      Blessings,

      Sincerely,
      J.M. Rozgonyi, Jr
      jmrozgonyi@gmail.com
      Pittsburgh, PA
      USA

  • Reply
    David
    31st October 2016

    I know Nemeth is a somewhat common name but I’m looking for others that are from or that may know of Nemeth’s from Hegyeshalom. My dad was from there.

  • Reply
    Ryan
    22nd February 2017

    Hello, I have been researching my ancestry, and have my great grandfather saying he was born in Budapest. Is Kaczur a common name at all or would it have been changed? What would the most likely original spelling be if it was changed? Thanks for any help!

    • Reply
      BPA Author
      1st March 2017

      Hi Ryan, yes Kuczar is a fairly common name (or let’s say not abnormal) in Hungary. Spelling is also Hungarian. You are on the right track…

    • Reply
      6th March 2017

      Hi Ryan,
      I think it must be better Kaczor, but not Kaczur and not Kuczar (like at BPA)… Belive me…

      • Reply
        Stefan
        16th September 2019

        Probably misspelled Kaczor – common polish surname, meaning male duck, or Koc(z)ur – meaning male cat in slovak language.

  • Reply
    8th March 2017

    Neither Kazur, nor Kuczar, but Kaczor is correct….

  • Reply
    6th September 2017

    I have been told our spelling and sound of our name is more like Andrassi. Is that a name you know?

  • Reply
    6th September 2017

    InAmerica our name is Andrasik but we have been told in Budapest it is spelled Andrassi. Is this a name you recognize?

    • Reply
      BPA Author
      25th September 2017

      Hi, Andrasik does not sound really Hungarian or at least is not common. I hear this name for the first time now.

      • Reply
        elizabet
        7th January 2018

        hi, Andrasik can be Andrási in Hungary

    • Reply
      Agnes
      9th March 2018

      Yes, Andrássi út, is a famous blvd in Budapest, named for Count with that same name. (He is greatly respected for forging good alliance between Hungary and the Austrian Emperor way back when I believe). In Hungarian, Àndrás means Andrew, so the addition of si would make it mean “of the family of…” Andrássi is a last name in Hungary!

  • Reply
    Janice
    14th October 2017

    My father was born in 🇭🇷Croatia🇭🇷 but spoke Hungarian in the home exclusively until he was of school age. He immagrated to Canada in 1969 and the spelling was changed to Djetvay. I have seen Getvay and Getvaj but have not found Đetvaj or Djetvay anywhere else yet I was told by his aunts it was a common surname. Curious. Also what if any is the meaning of the name. Responses are appreciated.

    • Reply
      28th November 2017

      Hi Janice,
      in Hungary we write it: Gyetvay or Gyetvai. But as he was born in Croatia, perhaps they wrote it in other way. Don’t you know the name of city where he was born? Perhaps you can try there to ask for information.

    • Reply
      Daniel
      22nd September 2018

      Hi!

      As I see the name Gyetvai has an origin from Slovakia (Upper Hungary in 19th century).
      “i” at the end of the noun means “from there”. According to https://www.tankonyvtar.hu/hu/tartalom/tinta/TAMOP-4_2_5-09_Csaladnevek_enciklopediaja/Csaladnevek_enciklopediaja.pdf:
      gyetvai orginates from the Slovakian youth/young people noun d’etva [gyetva].

    • Reply
      Stefan
      17th September 2019

      Gyetvay, Gyetvai in Hungarian language means, that person has his origin from Detva area, novadays laying in Slovakia. It is an common surname in various variation Detvai, Detvay, Detvansky (Slovak spelling), Gyetvai, Gyetvay, Gyetvanski (Hungarian spelling).
      https://goo.gl/maps/njuZqAeX2Sz6HSJg7

  • Reply
    Thomas
    25th November 2017

    My Grand Parents are from Budapest..Aranka Vicic Olah and George Olah.. her sister was Margaret Vicic and Brother Joseph Vicic or Viccic. Any info about family name would be appreciated.

    • Reply
      Stefan
      16th September 2019

      Aranka and Olah are typical names and surnames for Gipsy community. I never recognise Vicic name in Hungary. Vicić is from Croatia or Bosnia.

    • Reply
      Stefan
      18th September 2019

      Hello administrator of this discussion! Is there any reason you delete my helping comments from this discussion? There was one answer under Thoma´s question too.

  • Reply
    Tonya
    26th February 2018

    My children’s great grandparents come to America in the early 1900’s via ship from Europe. Her name was Julia Chezmedia (sp?) and his name was Louis Vincze. Are these common names in Hungary?

    • Reply
      16th April 2018

      Hi Tonya,

      Chezmedia sounds slawic or like russian I think…. But we have Vincze, that’s a common name in Hungary: Louis = Lajos in H. So Lajos Vincze could be a hangarian name. In Hungary we start with the surname and then the surname: Vincze Lajos. I hope I could help you 🙂

      • Reply
        16th April 2018

        sorry, correct is: in hungarian we start with the surname and then the forename: Vincze Lajos.

    • Reply
      Silvia
      11th May 2018

      Tonya,

      There is a surname in Hungarian that is spelled “Csizmadia”, which sounds like the closest one to your Chezmedia.

    • Reply
      George
      24th June 2018

      Csizmadía is a Hungarian surname, and means “bootmaker” in Hungarian.

    • Reply
      Stefan
      16th September 2019

      Chezmedia is probably misspelled hungarian Csizmadia (Shoemaker). It is common surname in Hungary.

  • Reply
    Nancy
    16th April 2018

    My maiden name is BARTH. My father, his parents, and all my paternal relatives, going back to early 1800’s came from Hungary. Many were born in Benat (?) Hungary. I don’t see this name as a very common Hungarian name. Does anyone recognize it?

    • Reply
      David
      4th March 2019

      Hi,

      Sorry for the late reply, I hope it’s not too late 🙂

      “Barth” is for sure not a frequent family name in Hungary (at least I have never heard of such name), however BARÁTH (“friend”) and BERNÁT(H) (Hungarian equivalent of German Bernhard) are much more common. Could it be any of the two?

      Also, the region is most probably Bánát, which is now in Romania.

    • Reply
      26th August 2019

      The BARTHA name is frecvent in Szekely country (Transylvania) Romania today. Probably missing the last “a”.

    • Reply
      Stefan
      16th September 2019

      Banat region is now in Romania. But the name Barth is German origin. Try this: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Banat_Swabians

  • Reply
    Pat
    16th April 2018

    My father was born in mezerbedann..spelling ? In 1887 Tomka. One of 3 boys ! He & one brother John came to USA. My dad was George ! Paul remained!

  • Reply
    Pat
    16th April 2018

    I sooo love this site !

  • Reply
    Pat
    16th April 2018

    Wondering where any living relatives might be !

  • Reply
    16th April 2018

    My family name is Fuzy of felsokeri with amulet over “u” & lived in Saros, Miskolc, Lemes, Szathmar. My great great grandpa, Istvan, was retired Major in Royal Hungarian Army. He was born in Estate of Talpolca in 1835. Nobility received in 1248. Familienarchive. Noted in books of, Ivan Nagy, Laszlo Kovari, Bela Kempelen.

  • Reply
    les
    20th May 2018

    My grandfather emigrated from Hungary year 1884 to Canada and on his birth certificate he has the last names Szucs and also Kusnyer or Kusnyor. Both names mean “furrier” in English. I am trying to figure out of which of the two names is his original name, Szucs or Kusnyer and if he had to switch from one to other in order to emigrate to Canada. P.S. Kusnyer could also be Kushner in Slovak or Jewish.

    • Reply
      les
      20th July 2018

      Edit: the year 1884 was my grandfathers birth date. He actually emigrated to Canada in 1904, legally I might add.

      • Reply
        les
        20th July 2018

        Edit2: He emigrated from Domoszló Hungary 1904.

  • Reply
    Susan
    12th July 2018

    My father imagrated to the US with his mother in 1905. His father was already in the US. My grandfather’s name was Istvan Dorko and my grandmother’s name was Brigetta Dorko (not related by blood). They were from Heves, Hungary. Wondering what the name Dorko means.

    • Reply
      David
      4th March 2019

      Dorkó is a relatively common surname around the northeastern part of Hungary (Around Eger), as for the etymology, it might come from a diminutive version of Dorottya (Dorothy), but Slavic origin is host as possible.

  • Reply
    Darlene
    19th July 2018

    My Great Grandparent were Hungarian and Slovakian. My maiden name is Walaschek is this Slavic or Hungarian? A German friend said it was Czechoslovakian.(?)

    • Reply
      David
      4th March 2019

      Walaschek sounds to me like a Germanized transliteration of a Czech word, so yeah, possible.

    • Reply
      Carpathian
      5th April 2019

      Walaschek is Slavic name but here written with German spelling. Most probably Czech or Slovak. Walaschek means “someone of Wallachian origin” or “shepherd”. In medieval times so called “wallachian colonization” of Upper Hungary happened. People from Wallachia (present day Romania) were invited by Hungarian kings to settle in depopulated parts of Upper Hungary (present day Slovakia). They broght traditional shepherd culture to Slovakia.

      • Reply
        Stefan
        16th September 2019

        Nice. You are right. 🙂

  • Reply
    M
    8th August 2018

    Last name Kukula my Hungarian grand parents. Other side is Romanian. Is kukula Hungarian ?

    • Reply
      David
      4th March 2019

      It sounds more Romanian to me.

    • Reply
      Stefan
      17th September 2019

      Kukuła (officialy kukułka) in Polish means a bird from cuckoo family. This term is sometimes used in northern Slovakia too. Slovakia was a part of Austro – Hungarian monarchy, as well as Silesia (nowadays in Poland) and part of Romania.

    • Reply
      Ion
      5th November 2019

      Kukula is NOT romanian. It’s not evenly remotely similar with any romanian word

  • Reply
    Roger
    22nd August 2018

    I am trying to research a name that has been changed. Now the name is Personey and think it was derived from Pozsonyi. Any help would be appreciated.

    • Reply
      David
      4th March 2019

      Pozsonyi is a valid option, it means “from Pozsony” (Pozsony now being Slovak capital Bratislava).

  • Reply
    Yonagaig
    24th August 2018

    My grandad was Hungarian. He moved to New York. He was a pilot involved in testing the Enola Gay. Sadly he was killed. His surname was Anglesized and was spelt Yonagaig. I’m trying to find my family history as my Dad was then adopted. I can’t find any record of this surname.

  • Reply
    JC
    6th October 2018

    Is Iby a Hungarian surname? When I was a teen in the 1950’s my riding instructor’s name was Alex Iby. At least Iby is what I remember. Has anyone heard of this last name? He emigrated to the US in 1956-7.

    • Reply
      Violet
      9th October 2018

      JC, both my mother and I have the name, Violet. In Hungarian it is “Ibolya”. All I can tell you is that Iby is a nickname for Ibolya. I actually have not seen Iby as a last name. Sorry, I wish I could help more.

  • Reply
    Dawn
    10th October 2018

    My great great grandfather was Josef Gelencser, he married Julia Szabo. He came to the US via Ellis Island on 12/12/1912. Hoping to travel to Hungary next spring with my husband. How common is my maiden name (though slaughtered by Ellis Islanders!)?

    • Reply
      David
      4th March 2019

      Gelencsér (approximate Hungarian pronounciation: Ghel-ehn-cherh) is a moderately common surname, not in the top 100, I believe, but I have 2-3 friends from different places with that family name.

  • Reply
    Charles
    14th October 2018

    My great-grandfather, Janos Megulesz, came to New Jersey in the late 1800’s. There are no other Megules families in the U.S. The name Megulesz in Hungary seems to be just as rare. What does it mean? My great uncle said that there was an entire town full of Megulesz. Is this true?

    • Reply
      Agnes
      28th August 2019

      Meg gyülés = a gathering or assembly of folks

    • Reply
      Stefan
      17th September 2019

      Megulesz is probably misspelled surname Mikulec (sounds similar in Slovak language) or surname Mikles, Miklés (sound similar in Hungarian), Mikleš (in Slovak). Both are probably derivate from first name Miklós (hungarian) or Mikuláš (slovak) and means “Michael”. There is an small village Mikula (first mentioned in 1075 year, now part of Želiezovce town) in Slovakia, and Mikulec also means that is someone from this village. Your grandfater was probably right if he mentioned there is a plenty of them. Mikulec or common name in Slovakia.

    • Reply
      Megules
      18th September 2019

      I guess I’ll never know anything about the Megules surname. It is just too rare. I’m sure that they were wiped out by World War 2 or the Soviets then their records were destroyed.

  • Reply
    Anonymous
    20th October 2018

    What about the Hungarian surname Kun? is this a common surname to have?

    • Reply
      Richard
      28th January 2019

      Kun is a Hungarian name, thought to have possibly derived from the German Kuhn or the Jewish name of Kohn(Cohen) or from the Turkish nomadic people the Cuman who invaded Hungary centuries ago. My grandparents were from Hungary and my great-grandmother’s maiden name was Kun. Bela Kun is a famous Hungarian that was involved in the communist movement circa 1919, google his name, Stalin eventually had him executed in the 1930’s. Kun is about the 100th most common last name in Hungary, certainly not rare

  • Reply
    Mary
    1st November 2018

    Is Gregor a Hungarian surname …..from which part of Hungary ?

    Is Flasko a Hungarian surname ….from which part of
    Hungary ?

    • Reply
      BPA Author
      8th November 2018

      Hi, Gregor is the English equivalent of György which is a Hungarian name and is used all over the country.

      • Reply
        Grzegorz
        9th June 2019

        Gregor is the English equivalent of Gergely.

        (György is a Hungarian version of the name George.)

    • Reply
      Stefan
      16th September 2019

      I think both are Slovakia. Gregor is Slovak (sur)name from latin Gregorius. Flasko is also Slovakian surname (lot of similar misspelled Slovakian surname exists Haško, Faško,…). In this form means someone related to bottle (flaška=bottle).

  • Reply
    Allyson
    4th November 2018

    My last name is kondorosi. If anyone could tell me more about the origin of the name or how to properly pronounce it that would be great. Or any info they may have about it would also be great.

    • Reply
      BPA Author
      8th November 2018

      Hi Allyson, Kondoros is a city in Hungary and the “i” at the end of the name means that somebody is from there. Like people from London are called LondonERS.
      The pronounciacion would be “Kondoroshi”.
      Hope that helps

  • Reply
    Carol S
    22nd November 2018

    My grandfather came to America in the early 1900s from Hungary. His name was Steve Boray, which I think was originally Istvan Zborai. Does this sound correct? Any idea of a meaning? Also, does anyone have advice on how to go about moving to Hungary?

    • Reply
      David
      4th March 2019

      Yes, at university, I had a professor named Zboray, so it is likely.

      On moving to you mean visit or permanently settle? 🙂

    • Reply
      Jessica
      28th October 2019

      I grew up with a Hungarian family with the last name Zboray in Ferguson Mo.

  • Reply
    Tom
    23rd November 2018

    My last name is Klemash. My great grandparents came here I would say around the early 1900s. On their immigration papers it says they came from Austria Hungary which was still a country at the time. Can anybody give me a direction as to where this name came from or if it was spelled correctly at the time of arrival?

    • Reply
      Stefan
      17th September 2019

      Klemás (Hungarian), Klemáš (Slovak) variety of latin name Clemens (i.e. Clemens pope,…). It is rare surname in Hungary, even in Slovakia.
      Probably surname Klimosz (Polish) is relative to this name too.

  • Reply
    w0lf
    23rd November 2018

    Is the name kusnyér Hungarian?

  • Reply
    karisan
    28th November 2018

    hi
    Im trying to do some research on the Gerencser last name for my uncle. From what I have found so far in my research the last name is Hungarian.But do you know the meaning of it?
    Also I have noticed that based on historical records my family resided primarily in the Győr-Moson-Sopron county mostly in the village of Kapuvar. Do you know how common that last name is in that area? My uncle and dad were denied by their mom due to divorce any knowledge of their Hungarian roots and I am trying to help my uncle out as much as possible.

  • Reply
    Atilla
    6th December 2018

    Is Kusnyér a Hungarian name ?

    • Reply
      Carpathian
      5th April 2019

      Yes, it is.

  • Reply
    Alexa
    16th January 2019

    My family and I have been trying to find some sort of meaning to our name, iloncaie. We know it is Hungarian but were never able to find other Iloncaie’s. There is another spelling I have found which is “iloncai”, but what is the meaning?

    • Reply
      David
      4th March 2019

      Ilonkai is a valid, although rather obscure family name. “Ilonka” is a diminutive of Ilona (a rather popular female name until the second half of the 20. century), but I’m unaware whether Ilonka és a name of a village or town, as the name suggests.

    • Reply
      Carpathian
      5th April 2019

      Iloncai means “someone coming from Ilonca”. Like Londoner is someone coming from London.
      Ilonca is a village in present day Ukraine. Today called Ilnytsia. It belonged to Hungary before 1918. There is an article about Ilonca/Ilnytsia in hungarian and ukrainian Wikipedia you can google it and then let google translate it to english.

  • Reply
    Rosemary
    23rd January 2019

    My Dad was born in Budapest in 1921. Laszlo Horvai (Now Horvay) Father Jozef Horvai and his mother Julia Toth. My Dad claims that his name was changed when he arrived in the US.
    He was the only child and there fore I cannot find anything else on the family. He lived
    on Zsilip-Utca 16, Pest. Near the Danube. Does anyone know how I can further find out where all relatives could be.

    • Reply
      9th September 2019

      Hi Rosemary,
      I wonder if you got a response to your question regarding your relatives who lived in Pest. I suggest you start a free account with Family Search. I’ve found many records for my family who lived not to far from Pest. You can actually search the original records through Family Search. Good luck!

  • Reply
    Anita
    23rd May 2019

    My married last name is Fazakas. My husband was told years ago that it’s Hungarian for potmaker. His aunt said that her parents were from Budapest, her mother being Dorothy Dairy (sp?). Little is known about that side of the family. Can anyone tell me if any of this information is possible?

  • Reply
    cathy
    3rd June 2019

    My grandfather was born in Supuru du Jos in the late 1800’s …. he came to this country in the early 1900’s, and changed his last name to Vance from what we think was originally Vantu …. do you know about the meaning or anything about the name of Vantu? Thank you!

  • Reply
    9th June 2019

    I am trying to find our more about my father’s family and what area they are from, his family name is Vilmanyi. His Grand Father’s name was Lajos Vilmanyi and his Grand Father’s brother also had the same name, Lajos Vilmanyi, which is very confusing.

  • Reply
    Michelle
    27th June 2019

    My father’s name was Hajnal Janos. He was born in Old Buda in 1929 sadly I’ve lost touch with any living relatives. He came to South Wales in 1956. Hajnal is not so common I think it means Dawn but I would love to know where it originates from.

  • Reply
    6th July 2019

    Hi. My grandmother was 100% Hungarian, her mother and father both having come to America via Ellis Island around 1906. The names were Sebok, Papp, and Sarkany. We know they lived in Tiszanana before they emigrated. I am coming to Budapest in August (next month) and will be heading to Tiszanana, then, Eger for a day trip. Any advice?! Will we Americans be OK getting a car and driving around, speaking no Hungarian? I hear Tiszanana will not have many English speakers. We will be looking for anything that existed there before 1906. THANKS!

  • Reply
    6th July 2019

    Also, we know that the Papp brothers, who were alive in 1906, Balint Papp and Louis Papp, stayed in Hungary. Louis died in WW1 and was never found. I assume he did not have children. Balint Papp married and had children – I would LOOOVE to find his living descendants. I have pictures, but no names other than his. I know that is a very long shot, with this common name. His sister, Susanna Papp, married name Sebok, was very close to my father in his young days. She emigrated to Ohio with her husband Istvan Sebok, who became a coal miner. They produced my great grandmother. If you have ways to find people like this, I’d love to know!

  • Reply
    Diane
    5th August 2019

    Hello! My husband’s Dad and Mom came from Hungary (Szombathely/Budapest) and met and married here in Canada. My daughter is very interested in her heritage. What can you tell me about our last name?

  • Reply
    margaret
    9th August 2019

    is kardos a common name

    • Reply
      Andy
      21st September 2021

      Hi Margaret. Kardos is a fairly common name meaning, swordsman.

  • Reply
    Renan
    12th August 2019

    Herodek? Is it a Magyar surname?

  • Reply
    Robert
    23rd August 2019

    any info on a man last name SIMON who raised Lipizzaner horses for the Spanish Riding School in Austria, Hungary

  • Reply
    Stefan
    17th September 2019

    There live widow Toth Ferenczne (before wife of Toth Ferenc) in Zsilip utca 6, Pest in 1928. probably it is relative from mother side.
    In the same year (1928) it is mentioned that widow Morvai Jozsefne (before wife of Morvai Jozsef) lives Kigyo utca 4/6, Budapest. Her occupation was furrier (szűcs).

  • Reply
    Gert
    23rd September 2019

    My maiden name is Szonye. Dad told me his dad had changed it a couple times before he settled on the version he liked (It’s more likely he was running from the law as his own father was a mobster.) The original pronunciation sounded like ‘zany’ when pronounced. . I was wondering what the correct spelling might be and what the name means.

  • Reply
    Beth
    6th October 2019

    Is Steigauf a Hungarian surname? What does it mean? I there a surname in Hungarian that sounds like Sheida?? If Steigauf is a Hungarian name, if which area, town or region of Hungary might it be common?

    • Reply
      BPA Author
      11th February 2020

      Steigauf is not really Hungarian but might rather be Austrian

  • Reply
    Ellen
    6th October 2019

    I’m trying to find information on my great grandparents Guzstav Osztifin born 1878 and Maria Tarjyani born 1880. If anyone can help. Thank you

  • Reply
    Isabelle
    18th October 2019

    My mom told me she changed my dads surname from Samel to Samuel. They were both born in Hungary but met in Canada. We know nothing about my dadas family and now that both parents have passed maybe never will. Is Samel a common Hungarian name?

  • Reply
    Jessica
    28th October 2019

    Is Szombathy a surname and possibly from where in Hungary? I’m trying to find information on my family as my great grandmother passed away when my grandfather was 4 and my great grandfather passed when my grandfather was 16. I know they legally immigrated from Hungary with Alfred’s brother Louis Szombathy. Where does my name originate from in Hungary?

  • Reply
    Jess
    6th November 2019

    My dad came to Canada in the 1970s they came from Yugoslavia (Serbia) we speak Hungarian and identify as Hungarians . Last name is Lincmajer I think it was spelt linczmajer. I don’t no how common it is . And also am unsure of the correct spelling

  • Reply
    William
    9th December 2019

    Is Szücs a Hungarian name?

  • Reply
    Joe
    27th December 2019

    Is Szücs a Hungarian name?

    • Reply
      BPA Author
      11th February 2020

      Yes, Szücs is Hungarian

  • Reply
    JM
    25th August 2020

    Does anybody know whether the Hungarian surname Tódor is common or not? My great-grandmother, Hungarian, was from Bihor County in Transylvania (when it was part of Hungary). I am trying to find some relatives who may be there still. Thanks!

    • Reply
      BPA Author
      3rd May 2021

      Yes, you can find Tódor relativly often in Hungary…

  • Reply
    paul
    8th October 2020

    Where can an American locate Hungarian ancestry information?

  • Reply
    Jude
    16th December 2020

    My dad’s family came from a small village outside of Sopron, Kophaza, and their last name was Payrits (spelling might not be exact, and has changed over the years). I am told that nicknames of family were used, and that my great grandfather (1870’s timeframe) would say that he was “Bahnsush” (not the spelling, but phonetic). The family doesn’t know what it meant, or why the name was used; they wondered if it was some kind of family clan name. Any insight would be appreciated.

  • Reply
    Kris
    31st January 2021

    My last name is my maiden name. I was told my great-grandparents came from Budapest, Hungary when they were teen-agers. These were my father’s grandparents. I was told my great-grandfather changed his last name when he came to America, and I’m trying to find out from what last name it might have been changed. Is Soltes a name in Hungary or is there a surname that is close/similar?

  • Reply
    Kris
    31st January 2021

    My last name is my maiden name. I was told my great-grandparents came from Budapest, Hungary when they were teen-agers. These were my father’s grandparents. I was told my great-grandfather changed his last name when he came to America, and I’m trying to find out from what last name it might have been changed. Is Soltes a name in Hungary or is there a surname that is close/similar?

  • Reply
    SOLTES
    31st January 2021

    My last name, Soltes, is my maiden name. I was told my great-grandparents came from Budapest, Hungary when they were teen-agers. These were my father’s grandparents. I was told my great-grandfather changed his last name when he came to America, and I’m trying to find out from what last name it might have been changed. Is Soltes a name in Hungary or is there a surname that is close/similar?

    • Reply
      BPA Author
      3rd May 2021

      A common last name is “Soltész”. That sounds fairly similar…

  • Reply
    Janos
    12th February 2021

    Is the name Fazekas Hungarian?

    • Reply
      BPA Author
      3rd May 2021

      Yes, it is a typical Hungarian family name.

      • Reply
        Amanda
        20th January 2022

        Is pongracz hungarian if so any info grandma came to the united states not sure specifics heard different info through older family members

      • Reply
        Patricia
        13th February 2022

        My father was Zoltan Kupas. Are there many Kupas living in Hungary

      • Reply
        Patricia
        13th February 2022

        My father was Zoltan Kupas. Are there many Kupas living in Hungary was my first time on this site never ask a question

    • Reply
      James
      16th January 2022

      Any insight on ‘garchi’ or garchey from budapest?

  • Reply
    carolyn
    17th June 2021

    good afternoon, I had always known my gr.grandmother name but we never knew if she was Austrian or what. Her maiden name was Stephany. I was always told we were from the wrong side of a Habsburg bed.One of her middle names was Eabitt, a name not known to me. also have a reference to Erneshire(immigration put it down as a middle name) Can you please help me?

  • Reply
    Cheri
    22nd June 2021

    Hi, I am looking for information on surname Kapalko from L’ubica, spis, Kezmarok, Slovakia. The last name could be spelled several ways. They might have been Carpathian, Slavic or Polish. Valenin or Valent may have been the first name. He came over in early 1900’s. Thank you.

  • Reply
    Pat
    11th August 2021

    My great grandfather was born in Debresczen in the1850’s, surname Bosze, or Bösze. I’m having trouble finding any info on this name and where he may have come from. As an adult he moved around a bit with his family as his 5 living children were born in different towns like, Vilagos and Arad. Any insight would be helpful. Thanks. Pat

  • Reply
    K
    25th September 2021

    Is Zraick a Hungarian surname?

    • Reply
      BPA Author
      25th February 2022

      Hi, no not really.

  • Reply
    T
    25th September 2021

    Hi, I am looking for any Vilmanyi decedents. My Great-Grandfather was from Hungary, his name was Lajos Vilmanyi born around 1883. He was a stowaway on a ship and arrived in USA in 1907. His wife Anna Hudi, came to the USA in 1909. Her arrival is documented on Ellis Island. I know that there is area in Hungary named Vilmanyi Major and Vilmany Village. I’m just want to find out it their is anyone who know’s of any history of his family or the area.
    Thanks!

  • Reply
    Melissa
    11th December 2021

    Looking for any others with the Zsadányi surname. My great grandfather was Zsadányi Aladár (aka Ed Zaday here in the US), the founder of the American Hungarian Actors union and a member of the Hungarian Opera company of NY/Cleveland. He was born in Budapest 1888 and emigrated to America in the early 1900’s. Feel free to contact me
    Melissa.zaday@gmail.com

  • Reply
    Ali
    19th January 2022

    Szatmari?
    Where does this come from and meaning

  • Reply
    Tiffany
    20th January 2022

    Hello, I am looking for any information on the surname Bagi. My husband’s grandfather immigrated to the USA from Hungary. I have been looking for information such as the meaning of the surname and possibly a coat-of-arms if there is one…but it seems to be a less common name even in Hungary.

    Thank you for any help you can provide!

  • Reply
    David
    23rd January 2022

    Anyone ever hear of my fathers last name Krompocker my grandparents came from Hungary to canada around 1920

  • Reply
    Barbara
    23rd February 2022

    Can you help me decipher my grandmother’s Hungarian name? She was from Sopron. Through research I found 6 variations: Gergotz, Gergocz, Gergait, Gergact, Gregory, and Gergaih.
    Her mother’s surname was Lochmondy.
    Can you also tell me the Translation of these names?
    A big thank you for all your help!

Leave a Comment