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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

    • 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:

      Spelling variation of Adrian

    • Description:

      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.
  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. Sami

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Samuel, and Arabic

    • Meaning:

      "exalted"

    • Description:

      Soundalike cousin of Sammy, cute but slight on its own.
  8. 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.
  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. 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. Andor

    • Origin:

      Norwegian; Swedish; Hungarian

    • Meaning:

      "eagle; manly"

    • Description:

      Unusual but accessible multi-cultural choice.
  12. Ervin

    • Origin:

      Scottish variation of Irving; Hungarian variation of Erwin

    • Description:

      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.
  13. 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?.
  14. 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.
  15. 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.
  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. 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.
  18. Ambrus

    • Origin:

      Hungarian

    • Meaning:

      "immortal"

    • Description:

      Hungarian form of Ambrose
  19. Gaspar

    • Origin:

      Spanish variation of Casper

    • Description:

      The name of one of the Three Wise Men from the East is heard in several European countries, but rarely here.
  20. 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.