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Hungarian Names for Boys

Nameberry
By Nameberry
Updated Tue Jun 09 2020
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.
  1. Laszlo

    • Origin:

      Hungarian

    • Meaning:

      "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.
  2. 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.
  3. Adrien

    • Origin:

      French variation of Adrian, Latin

    • Meaning:

      "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.
  4. 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.

  5. Henrik

    • Origin:

      Danish and Hungarian variation of Henry, German

    • Meaning:

      "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.
  6. Gaspar

    • Origin:

      Spanish variation of Casper, Dutch form of Jasper, Persian

    • Meaning:

      "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.
  7. 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.
  8. Rudi

    • Description:

      Rudi is a masculine name commonly used as a diminutive of Rudolf, Rudolph, or Rudiger in German-speaking regions. The name derives from Germanic elements meaning 'fame' and 'wolf'. Rudi offers a friendlier, more approachable alternative to the formal Rudolf, maintaining the name's strength while adding an endearing quality. In popular culture, it gained some recognition through figures like Rudi Völler, the German footballer. The name has a pleasant, accessible sound that works well cross-culturally. While not extremely common in English-speaking countries, Rudi enjoys consistent usage in Germanic countries and has seen occasional interest elsewhere for its distinctive yet straightforward character. The name's compact, two-syllable structure gives it a modern feel despite its traditional roots.

  9. Kari

    • Origin:

      Norse

    • Meaning:

      "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.
  10. Zoltan

    • Origin:

      Hungarian

    • Meaning:

      "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?.
  11. Bence

    • Origin:

      Hungarian variation of Vincent, Latin

    • Meaning:

      "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.
  12. Attila

    • Origin:

      Hungarian

    • Meaning:

      "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.
  13. Sami

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Samuel, and Arabic

    • Meaning:

      "exalted"

    • Description:

      Soundalike cousin of Sammy, cute but slight on its own.
  14. Gyula

    • Description:

      Gyula is a traditional Hungarian male name with ancient origins. It originally served as a title for a high-ranking military leader or tribal chief in early Hungarian society, similar to a duke. The name comes from the Old Turkic word "yula" meaning "torch" or "light." After Hungary's conversion to Christianity, Gyula transitioned from a title to a personal name. It remains popular in Hungary and among Hungarian diaspora communities. Its pronunciation in Hungarian is closer to "dyoo-lah." Notable bearers include several Hungarian politicians, artists, and sports figures. The name carries connotations of leadership, strength, and Hungarian cultural heritage.

  15. Andor

    • Origin:

      Norwegian; Swedish; Hungarian

    • Meaning:

      "eagle; manly"

    • Description:

      Unusual but accessible multi-cultural choice.
  16. Károly

    • Description:

      Károly is the Hungarian form of the name Charles, derived from Germanic origins meaning 'free man' or 'manly.' Common in Hungary and among Hungarian communities worldwide, the name has strong historical associations, including multiple Hungarian kings and notable figures bearing this name. The most famous was perhaps Emperor Charles I of Austria, who ruled as King Károly IV of Hungary. The name maintains moderate popularity in Hungary, where traditional names continue to be valued. Károly has a distinctive sound with its characteristic Hungarian pronunciation and accent placement, making it both recognizably European yet distinctly Magyar in character.
  17. Egyed

    • Description:

      Egyed is a masculine name of Hungarian origin. It is derived from the Latin name Aegidius, which means 'shield bearer' or 'protected by a shield.' In Hungarian history and culture, the name has been used since medieval times and appears in historical records of notable Hungarian families. While not widely used internationally, Egyed remains a distinctive traditional Hungarian name that connects to the country's cultural heritage. The name day for Egyed is traditionally celebrated on September 1st in Hungary. Though uncommon outside of Hungarian communities, it carries a strong sense of national identity for those who bear it.
  18. Karcsi

    • Description:

      Karcsi is a masculine Hungarian name that functions as a diminutive form of Károly (the Hungarian equivalent of Charles). This affectionate nickname carries the warm, familiar quality typical of Hungarian diminutives, with the '-csi' suffix adding a sense of endearment. The original name Károly derives from Germanic origins meaning 'free man' or 'manly.' Karcsi is used commonly in Hungary and among Hungarian-speaking communities, representing both a formal nickname and sometimes a standalone given name. While unfamiliar in most English-speaking regions, the name maintains popularity in its native culture. Karcsi carries the strong historical associations of Charles/Károly while adding a distinctive cultural identity and friendly approachability.
  19. Gellart

    • Description:

      Gellart is a masculine name with potential Germanic or Hungarian roots, possibly derived from names like Gelert or Gellért. In Hungarian history, Saint Gellért was an important 11th-century missionary, giving the name strong historical connections in Central Europe. The spelling with double 'l' and ending 't' creates a distinctive appearance while maintaining a traditional European character. Extremely rare in contemporary usage, particularly outside Central Europe, Gellart offers significant uniqueness while still having legitimate historical foundations. The name has a strong, dignified quality with its firm consonants and clear pronunciation. While popularity statistics are minimal due to its uncommon nature, Gellart represents an interesting option for parents seeking a name with historical depth, European heritage, and considerable rarity in most Western countries.
  20. Tivadar

    • Description:

      Tivadar is a masculine Hungarian name derived from the Greek name Theodore, which means 'gift of God.' This distinctive name has been used in Hungary for centuries and represents the Hungarian cultural adaptation of a classical name. Notable bearers include Tivadar Puskás, a Hungarian inventor and telephone pioneer, and Tivadar Csontváry Kosztka, a renowned Hungarian painter. While primarily found in Hungary and among Hungarian diaspora communities, the name maintains a strong cultural identity. Tivadar carries an air of distinction and European heritage, combining traditional roots with a unique sound that distinguishes it from more common Theodore variants.

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