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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. 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.

  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  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. 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.
  8. Sami

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Samuel, and Arabic

    • Meaning:

      "exalted"

    • Description:

      Soundalike cousin of Sammy, cute but slight on its own.
  9. 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.
  10. 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.

  11. 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.
  12. Demeter

    • Description:

      Demeter, while historically a feminine name from Greek mythology, has occasionally been used as a masculine name in some contexts. In Greek mythology, Demeter was the powerful goddess of agriculture, grain, and fertility who controlled the seasons and harvest. The name derives from the Greek elements 'de' (possibly meaning earth) and 'meter' (mother). As a masculine name, Demeter is extremely rare and represents a bold, unconventional choice. It carries strong associations with nature, abundance, and life-giving power. The name has a distinguished, classical quality with its mythological heritage. For parents drawn to Greek naming traditions who appreciate its unique sound and powerful connotations, Demeter offers a distinctive option that bridges ancient tradition with contemporary uniqueness.
  13. Tabor

    • Origin:

      Hebrew; Hungarian

    • Meaning:

      "a height; encampment"

    • Description:

      In the Bible, Tabor is the name of the mountain that stood on the border between northern and southern Israel. This biblical place name is similar to the Hungarian name Tibor.
  14. Ervin

    • Origin:

      Variation of Erwin, German

    • Meaning:

      "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.
  15. Mano

    • Origin:

      Italian

    • Meaning:

      "hand"

    • Description:

      A nickname that sounds like a nickname.
  16. Samu

    • Origin:

      Finnish, Spanish, and Hungarian diminutive of Samuel, Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "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.
  17. Zako

    • Origin:

      Hungarian variation of Zachariah

    • Description:

      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.
  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. Dénes

    • Description:

      Dénes is a Hungarian masculine name derived from the Greek name Dionysius, which refers to the devotee of Dionysus, the ancient Greek god of wine, fertility, and festivity. This elegant name has been used in Hungary since medieval times and remains a classic choice there. Dénes has historical significance as it was borne by several Hungarian nobles and leaders throughout history. The pronunciation (DAY-nesh) gives it a distinctive sound that maintains its cultural roots. While common in Hungary, Dénes remains relatively rare in international contexts, making it an intriguing choice for families with Hungarian heritage or those seeking a name with European flair. The name combines classical origins with a strong cultural identity and concise, modern sound.
  20. Vidor

    • Origin:

      Hungarian variation of Hilary

    • Description:

      Would make an interesting, cinema-related choice: King Vidor is in the Guinness Book of Records as the film director with the longest career, beginning in the silent era..