Bolyai

Bolyai is a Hungarian surname associated with notable figures in mathematics and with institutions in Central Europe. The most prominent bearers are János Bolyai and his father Farkas Bolyai, both from Transylvania.

János Bolyai (1802–1860) was a Hungarian mathematician who, independently of Nikolai Lobachevsky, developed non-Euclidean geometry. His work on alternative geometric systems appeared as part of his broader mathematical writings and is regarded as a foundational contribution to the field, influencing later developments in geometry and physics.

Farkas Bolyai (1775–1856) was a Transylvanian mathematician and educator, the father of János Bolyai. He contributed to mathematics and supported his son’s investigations into geometry, helping to foster an environment that led to the emergence of non-Euclidean ideas.

In contemporary times, the Bolyai name is commemorated in academic institutions. Babeș-Bolyai University in Cluj-Napoca, Romania, carries Bolyai in its name, reflecting the historical influence of the Bolyai family in the region's scientific tradition. The Bolyai name thus remains associated with early non-Euclidean geometry and with higher education institutions in Hungary and Romania.