Hungarian names adhere to the Eastern name order convention, where the correct sequence to write a person’s name is as follows:

TITLE + SURNAME + GIVEN NAME + SECOND GIVEN NAME [if applicable]

Historically, Hungarians and residents of Hungary faced no limitations on the number of given names they could possess. While most individuals typically had one given name, certain communities followed the tradition of baptizing children with two. Wealthier nobles often bestowed two names upon their offspring, yet the quantity of given names was not indicative of wealth. Hungarian given names can be differentiated into two different categories:

• Ancient or traditional given names
  The majority of these given names lack Latin or English equivalents, originating before the 896 conquest of the Carpathian Basin and the subsequent Latin administrative system established from the year 1000. However, some were later adapted into fabricated Latinized forms to align with others. These Hungarian names were more commonly used prior to the 1500s but experienced a resurgence since the nationalist movements of the 1800s.

• Given names originating from different languages or cultures
  These prevalent given names originate from other languages, owing to the Christian church’s swift endeavors to convert the nascent Kingdom of Hungary, commencing in the early 1000s. These names possess Latin variations and are readily translatable into other languages like English or German.

Presently, according to state regulations, individuals are permitted to use only two given names in official documentation, as endorsed by the Hungarian Academy of Sciences and recorded at birth. The Academy annually compiles a roster of approved given names, accessible for download from their official website and also provided below. It’s noteworthy that many historical given names are not authorized today and thus do not feature in these compilations.

• Given Names: FEMALE (via Magyar Tudományos Akadémia; Hungarian Academy of Sciences)

• Given Names: MALE (via Magyar Tudományos Akadémia; Hungarian Academy of Sciences)

There’s a wonderful publication written by Fercsik Erzsébet and Raátz Judit, titled Keresztnevek enciklopédiája (Encyclopedia of Christian Names), that’s digitally available. It has a lot of history regarding given names, including ethnic Hungarian given names that don’t have English counterparts. You can view this publication HERE.

We have compiled a list of common Hungarian given names you may come across during your research, as well as their English equivalents.