Mihály

Mihály is a Hungarian male given name, and the Hungarian form of Michael. It derives from the Hebrew name Mikha'el, commonly interpreted as meaning “Who is like God?” The name has a long history in Hungary and is associated with Saint Michael the Archangel, a prominent figure in Christian tradition.

In modern Hungary, Mihály remains a widely used given name. Common diminutives include Misi. The form is used in various religious, cultural, and secular contexts, and it appears in traditional naming practices as well as contemporary chosen names. While Mihály is predominantly a given name, it can also appear in Hungarian surnames in compound or patronymic forms, though this is less common.

Cultural and religious associations are strong for Mihály in Hungary. Saint Mihály (Saint Michael) is a central figure in Christian liturgy, and the name appears in church calendars, feast days, and church dedications. The Hungarian form is used in literature, history, and daily life, reflecting the name’s enduring popularity across centuries. The name Mihály thus represents both a linguistic form of Michael and a culturally embedded Hungarian given name with deep ties to religious tradition and historical continuity.