Hungarian Names for Boys
By Nameberry
Updated Tue Jun 09 2020
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Hungarian names for boys can look intimidating, with lots of consonants, including plenty of the letter "Z." But Hungarian names for boys include some real winners, like Ervin and Laszlo, that could be on any parent's shortlist. Many Hungarian boys' names still feel very unusual, but you can rest assured knowing that they have deep cultural roots.
Here are some of our favorite Hungarian names for boys. The top names below rank among the current US Top 1000 Baby Names and are ordered by popularity. Unique names rank below the Top 1000 and are listed alphabetically.
Here are some of our favorite Hungarian names for boys. The top names below rank among the current US Top 1000 Baby Names and are ordered by popularity. Unique names rank below the Top 1000 and are listed alphabetically.
- 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 HenryDescription:
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.
- Ember
- Adrien
Origin:
Spelling variation of AdrianDescription:
This spelling variation of the much more popular Adrian entered reentered the Social Security list after an over 100 year absence in 1999. The -en ending makes it sound like the feminine Adrienne. We suggest sticking with the all A Adrian for your little boy.
- Bodi
Origin:
HungarianMeaning:
"God protect the king"Description:
An affectionate-seeming name from a Slavic culture.
- Zoltan
Origin:
HungarianMeaning:
"sultan"Description:
Though a common name in Hungary, 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?.
- 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.
- Attila
Origin:
HungarianMeaning:
"little father"Description:
Stun-gunned by the fifth-century Hun, though still well-used in contemporary Hungary and Turkey. Some sources also suggest Turkish origins for the name.
- 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.
- Sami
Origin:
Diminutive of Samuel, and ArabicMeaning:
"exalted"Description:
Soundalike cousin of Sammy, cute but slight on its own.
- Gaspar
Origin:
Spanish variation of CasperDescription:
The name of one of the Three Wise Men from the East is heard in several European countries, but rarely here.
- Andor
Origin:
NorseMeaning:
"manly"Description:
Unusual but accessible multi-cultural choice. In Greek culture, one of many variations of Andreas, including Androu and Ander.
- 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.
- Ervin
Origin:
Scottish variation of Irving; Hungarian variation of ErwinDescription:
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Rudi
- Ferenc
Origin:
Hungarian form of FrancisMeaning:
"Frenchman or free man"Description:
Ferenc is well used in Hungary, where it has the intriguing nickname Ferko, it has been associated with the playwright Molnar.
- Mano
Origin:
ItalianMeaning:
"hand"Description:
A nickname that sounds like a nickname.
- Ambrus
Origin:
HungarianMeaning:
"immortal"Description:
Hungarian form of Ambrose