Molnar

Molnar is a surname of Hungarian origin. It is the unaccented form of Molnár, which comes from the Hungarian word molnár meaning “miller.” As an occupational surname, it originally identified a person who operated a mill and later spread as a family name through Hungarian communities and their descendants.

In Hungary and among Hungarian-speaking populations, Molnar is a common surname. It is also found among the Hungarian diaspora in regions such as Romania (Transylvania), Slovakia, and in communities abroad, particularly in North America and Western Europe. Because diacritics are often dropped outside Hungary, Molnár may appear as Molnar in international contexts.

Notable individuals with the surname include Ferenc Molnár (1878–1952), a Hungarian playwright and novelist renowned for works such as Liliom and The Play’s the Thing, which inspired the musical Carousel. The name appears across various fields and countries, reflecting historical migration and the spread of Hungarian culture.

Overall, Molnar/Molnár remains a recognizable example of a Hungarian occupational surname, with widespread use beyond its homeland and a legacy tied to cultural and literary contributions from Hungarian authors and communities.