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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. 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.
  3. 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.

  4. 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.
  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. Imre

    • Origin:

      Hungarian, from German

    • Meaning:

      "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.
  7. 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.
  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. 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?.
  10. 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.
  11. Sándor

    • Origin:

      Hungarian, variant of Alexander

    • Meaning:

      "defending men"

    • Description:

      Despite a possible pronunciation problem, a pleasant, unusual choice. Sandor Clegane (nicknamed The Hound) is a major character on Game of Thrones.
  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. Maco

    • Description:

      Maco is a concise masculine name with several possible origins. It may derive from Latin 'Macus,' a Roman family name, or have connections to Japanese origins where it can mean 'truth' or 'sincerity.' In some Native American traditions, similar names exist with varied meanings. The name could also be a variation of Marco or Mako. Characterized by its brevity and strong consonant sounds, Maco is distinctively uncommon in most Western countries. The two-syllable structure makes it easily pronounceable across cultures while maintaining a memorable quality. The name carries a certain strength in its simplicity and works well internationally. Its rarity gives a child named Maco a unique identity without being difficult to pronounce or spell.

  14. Ferko

    • Description:

      Ferko is a masculine name with Slovak and Hungarian origins, functioning as an affectionate diminutive form of Ferenc, the Hungarian version of Francis. The name ultimately derives from Latin 'Franciscus,' meaning 'Frenchman' or 'free one.' Common in Slovakia and among Hungarian-speaking communities, Ferko carries the warmth of a familiar nickname with the legitimacy of a given name. While relatively unknown in English-speaking countries, it maintains cultural significance in Central Europe. The name combines brevity with a distinctive sound, making it both accessible and unique outside its regions of origin. For families with Slovak or Hungarian heritage, Ferko offers a way to honor cultural roots while giving a child a name that's concise and memorable.
  15. János

    • Origin:

      Hungarian variation of John

    • Description:

      Even more Olde World, especially with that accent.
  16. Damek

    • Origin:

      Slavic variation of Adam

    • Meaning:

      "son of the red earth"

    • Description:

      Damek, which you might think of as Adam with a Slavic accent, considerably freshens up the original.
  17. Juli

    • Description:

      Juli is a masculine name with varied cultural origins, though it's also used for girls in some regions. In Hungarian and Germanic contexts, Juli serves as a masculine diminutive of Julius, derived from Roman family name Iulius, possibly meaning 'downy-bearded' or connected to Jupiter. In Indonesian and Scandinavian countries, it's used as a male name while in Spanish and English contexts, it's often a feminine diminutive of Julia. The name's simplicity and international character make it versatile across cultures. While relatively uncommon as a formal masculine name in English-speaking countries, it enjoys greater popularity in Eastern Europe and parts of Asia. Its brevity, historical connections, and cross-cultural appeal make it an intriguing choice for parents seeking a concise name with international flair.
  18. Timot

    • Description:

      Timot is a masculine name that appears to be a shortened form of Timothy, which derives from the Greek 'Timotheos' meaning 'honoring God' or 'honored by God.' This truncated variation maintains the first portion of the name while creating a more abrupt, modern-feeling conclusion. Timot is extremely rare in English-speaking countries, though similar short forms may appear in various European languages. The name has a contemporary, minimalist quality that contrasts with the more traditional Timothy. Pronunciation would likely follow as 'TEE-mot' or 'TIM-ot,' though this could vary by region and language. The simplicity of Timot gives it a distinctive quality while still maintaining a connection to its biblical roots through its parent name Timothy.
  19. Arpad

    • Origin:

      Hungarian

    • Meaning:

      "seed"

    • Description:

      Arpad is a hero name in Hungary, belonging to the Second Grand Prince of the Maygars, who established a dynasty that ruled for four centuries. Not heard often here, but is associated with the French-born financier who got his name from an earlier Hungarian banker and who's been involved with two of the world's most beautiful women — he is, in fact the father of Rosalind Arusha Arkadina Altalune Florence Thurman-Busson.
  20. Lenci

    • Description:

      Lenci is a masculine name with multiple possible origins. It may be derived as a diminutive of Lorenzo (the Italian form of Lawrence) meaning 'from Laurentum' or 'crowned with laurel.' Alternatively, it could be related to the Hungarian name Lőrinc or serve as a nickname for Leonard in some cultures. The name has a bright, compact sound that makes it distinctive yet approachable. Lenci gained some recognition through the famous Italian doll company of the same name, founded in 1918, which produced distinctive felt dolls. The name remains uncommon in most countries, giving it a unique quality while still being relatively easy to pronounce. Its brevity and ending with an 'i' gives it a friendly, approachable character while maintaining masculine attributes.