Hungarian Names
- 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?.
- Vinci
Description:
Vinci is a masculine name most notably associated with Leonardo da Vinci, the renowned Italian Renaissance polymath. As a first name, Vinci is derived from the Italian town where Leonardo was born, literally meaning 'willow trees' or 'conquering' in Italian. This short, distinctive name carries powerful associations with creativity, genius, and artistic innovation due to its famous connection. While uncommon as a given name, it appeals to parents drawn to its Italian heritage, compact elegance, and cultural significance. The name's brevity gives it a modern feel despite its historical roots, and its clear connection to one of history's greatest minds imbues it with intellectual associations. Vinci offers a unique choice that balances cultural depth with contemporary style.
- Andor
Origin:
Norwegian; Swedish; HungarianMeaning:
"eagle; manly"Description:
Unusual but accessible multi-cultural choice.
- 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.
- Ervin
Origin:
Variation of Erwin, GermanMeaning:
"respected friend"Description:
Ervin is an old-school great-grandpa name, like Irving and Ernest, that may just be ready for revival. It's also a well-known name in Hungary and elsewhere in central and eastern Europe. As a surname, it's associated with jazz sax player Booker Ervin.
- Rez
Origin:
HungarianMeaning:
"having copper-colored hair"Description:
A beyond unusual choice for a little redhead.
- Iren
Description:
Iren is a feminine name that functions as a variation of Irene, with roots in ancient Greek. Derived from "Eirene," it means "peace." In Greek mythology, Eirene was the goddess of peace, giving the name a rich heritage and symbolic meaning. This shorter variant maintains the elegant essence of Irene while offering a more concise, modern feel. Popular in Eastern European countries, particularly Russia, Hungary, and parts of Scandinavia, Iren provides an international alternative to the more common Irene. While not widely used in English-speaking countries, its simplicity and cross-cultural appeal make it an attractive option for parents seeking a name that is both traditional and somewhat distinctive in Western contexts.
- Riza
Origin:
Hungarian short form of Rozalia or Terezia, Filipino diminutives of Clarissa or Rizal, Urdu, ArabicMeaning:
"rose flower; to harvest; clear, bright; rice field; satisfaction, contentment"Description:
As a diminutive name, Riza is used predominantly in the Philippines, though it also has its roots in Hungarian, and in Arabic. Spirited yet familiar, Riza could be related to the surname Rizal meaning "rice field", to the names Tereza and Clarissa, or to the Arabic masculine name Rida, meaning "contentment".
- Gaspar
Origin:
Spanish variation of Casper, Dutch form of Jasper, PersianMeaning:
"bringer of treasure"Description:
The name of one of the Three Wise Men from the East is heard in several European countries, but rarely in the US. Last year about 50 baby boys were named Gaspar in the US vs. about 200 named Casper, still haunted for some by the cartoon ghost. Root name Jasper is by far the most popular of the group.
- Mano
Origin:
ItalianMeaning:
"hand"Description:
A nickname that sounds like a nickname.
- 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.
- Zigfrid
Description:
Zigfrid is a variant spelling of Siegfried, a masculine name with ancient Germanic origins. The traditional name Siegfried combines the Old Germanic elements 'sig' meaning 'victory' and 'frithu' meaning 'peace' or 'protection,' creating the powerful meaning of 'victorious peace' or 'victory protection.' This heroic name features prominently in Germanic mythology and medieval literature, most famously as the dragon-slaying hero in the epic poem 'Nibelungenlied' and later in Wagner's opera cycle 'The Ring of the Nibelung.' The Zigfrid spelling variation offers a more phonetic, modernized approach to the traditional name. While the standard Siegfried remains uncommon in contemporary usage, Zigfrid is even rarer. The name carries strong associations with heroism, strength, and Germanic cultural heritage, appealing to parents seeking names with mythological significance and distinctive character.
- Kari
Origin:
NorseMeaning:
"curly hair"Description:
In Norse mythology, the son of the giant who ruled the wind and air; in modern America, recalls a 1970s girl's nickname name, à la Carrie and Keri.
- Rezi
Description:
Rezi is a feminine name with multiple possible origins. It may be a diminutive form of Teresa or Theresa, which comes from Greek meaning 'harvester' or 'summer.' In Georgian culture, Rezi functions as a nickname for Rezo or Revaz. It could also be a shortened form of the Hebrew name Rezin. The name has a contemporary, international feel with its short, punchy sound and uncommon status. Rezi remains rare in English-speaking countries but may appeal to parents seeking a concise, modern-sounding name with multicultural connections. Its brevity and ending with an 'i' gives it a playful, youthful quality that could grow well with a person through all stages of life.
- Bence
Origin:
Hungarian variation of Vincent, LatinMeaning:
"conquering"Description:
Bence has been the most popular boy name in Hungary for over a decade — it’s held the top spot since 2003, the year Hungary began releasing its baby name data. Bence is the Hungarian translation of Vincent and is also occasionally used as a nickname for Benedek.
- Imre
Origin:
Hungarian, from GermanMeaning:
"strength"Description:
Commonly heard in its native country, and might get a boost here too, now that Alanis Morrissette has used it for her son Ever's middle name.
- Zako
Origin:
Hungarian variation of ZachariahDescription:
If for whatever reason you're wed to the whole Zachary concept, this variation -- either as a proper name or a nickname -- is one way to make it new.
- Aliz
Origin:
Hungarian variation of Alice, from GermanMeaning:
"noble"Description:
Aliz, traditionally spelt Alíz, is a Top 50 name in Hungary and puts a zippy spin, thanks to that final z, on the classic Alice. Its similarity to names such as Elise may cause some confusion, but its simplicity makes it a winner.
- Kamilla
Origin:
Scandinavian; Hungarian; Russian, variation of CamillaDescription:
Kamilla is the usual spelling of Camilla throughout Scandinavia and in Finland, Hungary, Iceland, and Greenland. Kamma is an appealing short form.
- Bertalan
Origin:
HungarianMeaning:
"son of the furrow"Description:
Hungarian form of Bartholomew