Hungarian Names
- Mika
Origin:
Japanese, Slovene, Hebrew, English, GreekMeaning:
"beautiful fragrance; who is like God?; follower of Demeter"Description:
Mika is a sparky and stylish Japanese girls' name that translates easily to English. Also used as a Slovene and Hebrew diminutive for Mihaela and Michaela, as an alternative spelling to the Biblical Micah, and as a Greek diminutive of Dimitra (via Mimika), it is a truly multi-cultural choice.
- Emilia
Origin:
Feminine variation of Emil, LatinMeaning:
"rival"Description:
Emilia is the feminine form of the Roman clan name Aemilius, which derived from the Latin aemulus, meaning "rival." In Shakespeare’s Othello, Emilia is the wife of Iago and confidante of Desdemona. Amelia, although homonymous, has a different root and meaning.
- Laszlo
Origin:
HungarianMeaning:
"glorious ruler"Description:
The Hungarian classic Laszlo, with its zippy 'z' middle and energetic 'o' ending, has become something of a hipster option, beginning to be considered by cutting-edge parents.
- Henrik
Origin:
Danish and Hungarian variation of Henry, GermanMeaning:
"estate ruler"Description:
The long history and solid usage of Henry has infiltrated other cultures, where a number of variations experience the same degree of popularity. In the US, Henrik first entered the Top 1000 in 2014. In Norway, Henrik is a mega popular choice.
- Adrien
Origin:
French variation of Adrian, LatinMeaning:
"man of Adria"Description:
This spelling variation of Adrian was popular in France and Belgium during the 80s, 90s, and early 2000s, peaking in 1991 when it reached the Top 20 in France. While it has since declined in use, it remains a familiar choice in French speaking countries.
- Bodi
Origin:
Hungarian, Slavic diminutive; variant of Bodhi "God protect the king; divine gift; enlightenment"Meaning:
"God protect the king; divine gift; enlightenment"Description:
Bodi is a succinct and friendly looking name, with a number of possible origins. One one hand, it could be a diminutive of the Hungarian Boldizsár, which ultimately derives from the Babylonian Belshazzar or Balthazar, in turn lending it a regal quality.
- Ember
Description:
Ember is traditionally a unisex name that has been increasingly used for both boys and girls, though it's somewhat more common for females. Derived from the English word for a small, glowing piece of coal or wood in a dying fire, Ember evokes warmth, light, and enduring energy. The name gained popularity in the early 21st century as part of the trend toward nature-inspired names. For boys, it carries connotations of strength and subtle power. Ember also has connections to the ancient calendar month name 'September' (though etymologically distinct). Its short, two-syllable structure makes it straightforward yet distinctive, with a contemporary feel despite its ancient word origins.
- Ilona
Origin:
Hungarian variation of Helen, FinnishMeaning:
"shining torch; light; joy"Description:
This variant of Helen is used across Europe, in France, Germany, Lithuania, Poland, and it's native Hungary. Reminiscent of Elena, Leona, Ilaria, Fiona and Lola, it nevertheless remains a rarity in the US.
- Kinga
Origin:
Hungarian, PolishMeaning:
"brave"Description:
Though the name Kinga has penetrated the international consciousness via the Slovakian model Kinga Rajzak, it's a rare choice for American baby girls: Only six were named Kinga last year. Is that because Kinga sounds like pseudo-royalty, ala Princessa? Though with names such as Reign and Royal rising through the ranks, the time-honored Kinga may see more widespread usage.
- Samu
Origin:
Finnish, Spanish, and Hungarian diminutive of Samuel, HebrewMeaning:
"told by God"Description:
A multicultural nickname for Samuel. The Spanish and Finnish variation is pronounced SAH-moo, while the Hungarian version is SHAW-moo.
- Mariska
Origin:
Hungarian diminutive of MariaMeaning:
"drop of the sea, bitter, or beloved"Description:
Actress Hargitay made us notice this one, it makes a robust, energetic Slavic impression.
- Zoltan
Origin:
HungarianMeaning:
"sultan"Description:
Though a common name in Hungary, with the spelling Zoltán, the relatively rare Z sound is striking to English speakers. Penn Gillette used the Zolten spelling for his son; it was also the name of Dracula's dog, and was also a robotic character in Dude, Where's My Car?.
- Damek
Origin:
Slavic variation of AdamMeaning:
"son of the red earth"Description:
Damek, which you might think of as Adam with a Slavic accent, considerably freshens up the original.
- Ilka
Origin:
Hungarian diminutive of Ilona; variation of HelenMeaning:
"bright, shining one"Description:
To some, may have the same warm feeling of Russian nicknames like Sasha and Misha.
- Sami
Origin:
Diminutive of Samuel, and ArabicMeaning:
"exalted"Description:
Soundalike cousin of Sammy, cute but slight on its own.
- Ballas
Description:
Ballas is a masculine name with possible Greek origins, potentially derived from surnames or place names. It bears phonetic similarity to the Greek surname 'Ballis' or could relate to geographic locations like Ballas, Egypt. The name has a strong, distinctive sound with its two syllables and prominent 's' ending. As a first name, Ballas remains extremely uncommon, making it a rare choice that stands out. It carries an inherent strength and uniqueness that might appeal to parents seeking an unconventional name with a bold character. The name's rarity means it comes with few preconceptions, allowing the individual to define its meaning through their own personality and accomplishments.
- Attila
Origin:
HungarianMeaning:
"little father"Description:
English speaking countries may only associate this with the fifth-century Hun, but the name is still well-used in contemporary Hungary, Azerbaijan, and Turkey.
- Zsazsa
Origin:
Hungarian, , diminutive of ErzsebetMeaning:
"God is my oath"Description:
Zsa Zsa is a zippy Hungarian nickname name, sometimes used independently, linked for decades with the Hungarian-born actress Zsa Zsa Gabor--who was born Sari.
- Shari
Origin:
Anglicized variation of Hungarian Sari, variation of SarahMeaning:
"princess"Description:
This once-cool nickname-y name now belongs to the grandma generation.
- Andor
Origin:
Norwegian; Swedish; HungarianMeaning:
"eagle; manly"Description:
Unusual but accessible multi-cultural choice.
