Hungary Naming Customs: Difference between revisions

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==Online Tools==
==Online Tools==
*[[Given Name Equivalents in the Austro-Hungarian Empire|'''Given Name Equivalents''']] This table, based on the resource [https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CS8L-TQ27-6 Słownik imion], alphabetizes names in Latin, with equivalents in other languages, including Hungarian.
*[https://surnames.behindthename.com/names/usage/hungarian '''Behind the Name: Hungarian Surnames''']
*[https://surnames.behindthename.com/names/usage/hungarian '''Behind the Name: Hungarian Surnames''']
*[https://www.behindthename.com/names/usage/hungarian '''Behind the Name: Hungarian Given Names''']
*[https://www.behindthename.com/names/usage/hungarian '''Behind the Name: Hungarian Given Names''']
*[https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/Appendix:Hungarian_given_names#A '''Hungarian Given Names (Wiktionary)''']
*[https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSD3-QQYY?i=3&cat=199727 '''Hungarian Personal Names''' (CIA)]
*[https://www.familysearch.org/en/surname Surname experience] at FamilySearch - search by surname to learn its meaning and origin
==Surnames==
==Surnames==
===Name Order===
===Name Order===
Hungarian names usually consist of a single given name and a single surname (family name). The surname is used before the given name. For example:   
In Hungarian, the surname (or a family name) is used first, followed by the given name. For example:   
{| class="wikitable"
 
{| align="center" width="647" class="plain FCK__ShowTableBorders"
|-
|-
! Hungarian Name<br>SURNAME - Given Name !! English Name<br>Given Name - Surname  
|
'''Hungarian Name'''<br>
'''Surname--Given Name'''
|
'''English Name'''<br>
'''Given Name--Surname'''
|-
|-
| NAGY János || John Nagy
| NAGY János  
| John Nagy
|-
|-
| KOVÁCS Mária || Mary Smith
| KOVÁCS Mária  
| Mary Smith
|}
|}


On FamilySearch Family Tree if Hungarian is selected in a person name field, the name will be displayed in Hungarian order: surname before given name.  Selecting German or English changes the display order.  Enter the surname and given name in the relevant field and select the most appropriate language.  The most appropriate language generally reflects the language community in which the person lived most of their life.
*there is usually just one given name
*surnames are generally a single name  
*patronymic names were usually not used as a fixed surname
*this rule is also followed in Hungarian parish registers
<br>
===Surname Origins===
'''Surnames were usually derived from common sources such as trades, characteristics, ethnic origins, place names etc.:'''


===Surname Origins===
{| align="center" width="347" class="plain FCK__ShowTableBorders"
Surnames were usually derived from common sources such as trades, characteristics, ethnic origins, place names, etc.
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Source !! Hungarian !! English
|-
|-
| Occupation || SZABÓ Ferenc || Frank Taylor
|'''Occupation'''
| SZABÓ Ferenc  
| Frank Taylor
|-
|-
| Occupation || MOLNÁR Lajos || Louis Miller
|'''Occupation'''
| MOLNÁR Lajos  
| Louis Miller
|-
|-
| Characteristic || KIS Mihály || Michael Little
|'''Characteristics'''
| KIS Mihály  
| Michael Little
|-
|-
| Characteristic || FEHÉR Erzsébet || Elizabeth White
|'''Characteristics'''
| FEHÉR Erzsébet  
| Elizabeth White
|-
|-
| Origin || TÖRÖK Katalin || Catherine Turk
|'''Ethnic Origin'''
| TÖRÖK Katalin  
| Catherine Turk
|}
|}
==Nobility==
Titles of nobility are put before the surnames:


=== Nobility ===
{| align="center" width="347" class="plain FCK__ShowTableBorders"
A title of nobility is placed before the surname:
 
{| class="wikitable"
|-
|-
! Hungarian !! English
| gróf NAGY János  
|-
| Count John Nagy
| gróf NAGY János || Count John Nagy
|}
|}


=== Married Women ===
===Bynames and Patronymics===
*Hungarians use a "byname" to help '''distinguish people with the same given names'''.
*The byname might be created from the '''father's given name (as a patronymic name).'''
*Other bynames might be created from '''an occupation or even a physical description.'''
*The byname might be used within the village or town, but were '''not fixed surnames'''.
*Further, a person might be known by '''one byname in a town, and be called by a different byname when traveling''' (referring to where they are from.)
*Bynames were '''not hereditary'''.
*'''The first major class of bynames were patronymics that were created using the father's given name'''. It might be created by adding '''"-fi"''' to a father's meaning "his son" but may appear in records '''as "-fi, -fia, -fy, or fÿ"'''. For example:
:* Fodor Jákobfi (Theodore, son of Jacob)
:* Domokos Bertoldfia (Domokos, son of Bertold)
:* Miklós Oszkárfy (Nicholas, son of Oscar)
:* Simon Vilmosfÿ (Simon, son of Vilmos)
 
==== Married Women ====


In Hungary '''women keep their birth name throughout their life, married or not'''.  There is no married name and maiden name in the sense familiar to Americans.
In Hungary '''women keep their birth name throughout their life, married or not'''.  There is no married name and maiden name in the sense familiar to Americans.


In comparison to an English example, if John White married Elizabeth Black, Elizabeth may be referred to as Mrs. John White.
==== ''-né'' ====
In Hungarian, the positions of the names are inverted, Last name first, and given name second. So if we have Feher János and Fekete Erzsébet, Erzsébet may be referred to as Feher Jánosne. (Broken down in English, this would be: White John Mrs.)
In Hungarian language, to refer to a married woman as a man's wife, the suffix ''-né'' is attached to the man's given name. For example:


==Given Names==
:Hungarian: Klausenberger Ignáczné Bival Rosália
Language changed over time in church-based record keeping between Hungarian ("old Hungarian") and Latin. There can be different variations or versions of a given name that may be used for every record for an individual, including abbreviations by only writing the first few letters of the name.<br>
:English: Rosália Bival, wife of Ignácz Klausenberger
'''Examples:''' <br>
''John:'' Johan, Johannes, Janos, Jan<br>
''Elizabeth:'' Elisabetha, Elizabetha, Erszébet, Örszebet, Ersze, Örzse <br>
''Steven:'' Stephanus, István, Steph<br>
''George:'' Gyorgy, Gergly, Georgius<br>
''Rose:'' Roza, Rosa, Rozalia, Rosalia<br>


===Nicknames===
Although ''Nagy Jánosné'' resembles the American formal ''Mrs. John Nagy'', use of ''-né'' belongs to Hungarian language grammar, and is not a traditional Hungarian naming convention. Records of women named in this manner are rare. Most prevalent are 19th century and early 20th century United States immigration records and, in recent decades, grave markers in Hungary. Example:
In English, the name John can turn into "Johnny". In Hungarian, it would turn Janos into Janoska, adding a suffix. Anna could be turned into Annuska. These are names used more in private or in interpersonal relationships, and are ''not'' considered their formal or legal names.  


=== Słownik imion (Dictionary of names) ===
Nagy Lajos
1914 – 1984
Nagy Lajosné
1923 – 2001


In many Hungarian records, given names are translated into Latin or German. One of the best resources to identify the Hungarian (or other language) version of a Latin name is the  [https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CS8L-TQ27-6 '''Słownik imion'''], or dictionary of names. This information has been indexed into a searchable [[Given Name Equivalents in the Austro-Hungarian Empire|'''online table''']]. A digital copy of the book is available [https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CS8L-TQ27-6 online]. An [https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CS8L-TQKT-S index] to all variant names is located at the [https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CS8L-TQKT-S back of the book].


=== Suffixes ===
See [https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/-né#Etymology_1 more about -né] on Wiktionary.
In Hungarian language certain family relationships are expressed by attaching a suffix to a given name.  These suffixes are part of the grammar of the language, not naming conventions.
 
==== Suffix ''-fi, -fia, -fy,'' or ''fÿ'' ====
To refer to a man as his father's son, the suffix '''''-fi'' or variant is attached to his father's given name.''' For example:
:* Fodor Jákobfi, meaning Theodore, son of Jacob
:* Domokos Bertoldfia, meaning Domokos, son of Bertold
:* Miklós Oszkárfy, meaning Nicholas, son of Oscar
:* Simon Vilmosfÿ, meaning Simon, son of Vilmos
 
The father's name with suffix attached may be used as a byname.
 
==== Suffix ''-né'' ====
To refer to a married woman as her husband's wife, the suffix '''''-né'' is attached to her husband's given name.'''  For example:
 
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Hungarian !! English
|-
| Klausenberger Ignácz'''né''' Bival Rosália || Rosália Bival, wife of Ignácz Klausenberger
|}
 
Although '''''Nagy Jánosné''''' resembles the American formal '''''Mrs. John Nagy''''', use of ''-né'' is not a traditional Hungarian naming convention.  Historical records naming Hungarian women in this American style are rare.  Most prevalent are 19th century and early 20th century United States immigration records and, in recent decades, grave markers in Hungary.  Example of this on a grave marker:
 
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Hungarian !! English
|-
| Nagy Lajos<br>1914 – 1984 || Lajos Nagy<br>1914 – 1984
|-
| Nagy Lajosné<br>1923 – 2001 || Mrs. Lajos Nagy<br>1923 – 2001
|}
 
See [https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/-né#Etymology_1 '''more about "-né"'''] on Wiktionary.
 
==== Suffix ''-nak'' or ''-nek'' ====
 
Suffix attached to a noun to form the dative case.  This is seen on church records of baptisms and burials, modifying the names of the mother and father.
 
For example, the names of the couple Terez Vida and Tamas Csicsai are written on some of their children's records as Vida Tereznek and Csicsai Tamasnak.
 
See [https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/-nek#Etymology_1 '''more about "-nek"'''] on Wiktionary.
 
===Second given names and religious names===
*Hungarians do not commonly use second given names, nor their corresponding initials. While it is increasingly frequent that they are given one, they tend to choose one they prefer to use.
*When baptized, a child can get an additional name (baptismal name), especially if there is no saint who bears their name, so they take a name associated with a patron saint. In confirmation, children receive another given name, but it is not used. Both baptismal and confirmation names have religious significance only, and they are not on any official records.<ref>"Hungarian names", https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hungarian_names, accessed 28 February 2021.</ref>


==Given Names==
===Name Days===
===Name Days===
Hungarians, like Swedes, also celebrate name days. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Name_days_in_Hungary Each day in the calendar has one or more designated personal names.]<ref>"Hungarian names", https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hungarian_names, accessed 28 February 2021.</ref>
Hungarians also celebrate name days [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Name_days_in_Hungary (each day in the calendar has one or more designated names.)]
 
== Further Reading ==
== Bynames and Patronymics ==
Excellent articles regarding Hungarian personal names can be found at:  
As a rule, in Hungary bynames--including patronymic bynames-- did not enter use as surnames.
 
*Hungarians use a "byname" to help '''distinguish people with the same given names'''.
*The byname might be created from the '''father's given name (as a patronymic name) by attaching a suffix.'''
*Other bynames might be created from '''an occupation or even a physical description.'''
*The byname might be used within the village or town, but were '''not fixed surnames'''.
*Further, a person might be known by '''one byname in a town, and be called by a different byname when traveling''' (referring to where they are from.)
*Bynames were '''not hereditary'''.
 
== For Further Reading ==
*[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hungarian_names '''Hungarian names''']
*[http://heraldry.sca.org/laurel/names/magyarnames1012.html '''Hungarian Names 101''']
*[http://heraldry.sca.org/laurel/names/hungarian/index.html '''Hungarian Personal Names of the 16th Century''']
=== FamilySearch Catalog ===


*Additional sources are listed in the '''FamilySearch Catalog:'''
*[http://heraldry.sca.org/laurel/names/magyarnames1012.html Hungarian Names 101]
**{{FSC|Hungary - Names, Personal|subject|subject-id=2109830293|disp= Hungary - Names, Personal}}
*[http://heraldry.sca.org/laurel/names/hungarian/index.html Hungarian Personal Names of the 16th Century]
*[https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/Appendix:Hungarian_given_names#A Hungarian Given Names (Wiktionary)]
*[http://heraldry.sca.org/laurel/names/magfem2.html Hungarian Feminine Names]


==References==
<references/>
[[Category:Hungary]]
[[Category:Hungary]]
[[Category:Naming Customs]]
[[Category:Names Personal]]
[[Category:Naming Customs]]
[[Category:Names Surname]]
[[Category:Patronyms]]

Revision as of 20:50, 28 February 2021

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Understanding customs used in surnames and given names can help you identify your ancestors in records. Learn to recognize name variations and see clues in names.

Online Tools[edit | edit source]

Surnames[edit | edit source]

Name Order[edit | edit source]

In Hungarian, the surname (or a family name) is used first, followed by the given name. For example:

Hungarian Name
Surname--Given Name

English Name
Given Name--Surname

NAGY János John Nagy
KOVÁCS Mária Mary Smith
  • there is usually just one given name
  • surnames are generally a single name
  • patronymic names were usually not used as a fixed surname
  • this rule is also followed in Hungarian parish registers


Surname Origins[edit | edit source]

Surnames were usually derived from common sources such as trades, characteristics, ethnic origins, place names etc.:

Occupation SZABÓ Ferenc Frank Taylor
Occupation MOLNÁR Lajos Louis Miller
Characteristics KIS Mihály Michael Little
Characteristics FEHÉR Erzsébet Elizabeth White
Ethnic Origin TÖRÖK Katalin Catherine Turk

Nobility[edit | edit source]

Titles of nobility are put before the surnames:

gróf NAGY János Count John Nagy

Bynames and Patronymics[edit | edit source]

  • Hungarians use a "byname" to help distinguish people with the same given names.
  • The byname might be created from the father's given name (as a patronymic name).
  • Other bynames might be created from an occupation or even a physical description.
  • The byname might be used within the village or town, but were not fixed surnames.
  • Further, a person might be known by one byname in a town, and be called by a different byname when traveling (referring to where they are from.)
  • Bynames were not hereditary.
  • The first major class of bynames were patronymics that were created using the father's given name. It might be created by adding "-fi" to a father's meaning "his son" but may appear in records as "-fi, -fia, -fy, or fÿ". For example:
  • Fodor Jákobfi (Theodore, son of Jacob)
  • Domokos Bertoldfia (Domokos, son of Bertold)
  • Miklós Oszkárfy (Nicholas, son of Oscar)
  • Simon Vilmosfÿ (Simon, son of Vilmos)

Married Women[edit | edit source]

In Hungary women keep their birth name throughout their life, married or not. There is no married name and maiden name in the sense familiar to Americans.

-né[edit | edit source]

In Hungarian language, to refer to a married woman as a man's wife, the suffix -né is attached to the man's given name. For example:

Hungarian: Klausenberger Ignáczné Bival Rosália
English: Rosália Bival, wife of Ignácz Klausenberger

Although Nagy Jánosné resembles the American formal Mrs. John Nagy, use of -né belongs to Hungarian language grammar, and is not a traditional Hungarian naming convention. Records of women named in this manner are rare. Most prevalent are 19th century and early 20th century United States immigration records and, in recent decades, grave markers in Hungary. Example:

Nagy Lajos 1914 – 1984 Nagy Lajosné 1923 – 2001


See more about -né on Wiktionary.

Given Names[edit | edit source]

Name Days[edit | edit source]

Hungarians also celebrate name days (each day in the calendar has one or more designated names.)

Further Reading[edit | edit source]

Excellent articles regarding Hungarian personal names can be found at:

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