Személynév

Személynév is the Hungarian term for a personal name. It is composed of two parts: the given name (keresztnév) and the family name (vezetéknév). In Hungarian culture, the family name is traditionally placed before the given name. This order is a distinguishing feature of Hungarian naming conventions when compared to many Western cultures where the given name typically precedes the family name.

For example, in the name John Smith, Smith is the family name and John is the given name. In Hungarian, this would be rendered as Smith John. This convention is maintained in official documents, formal introductions, and everyday usage within Hungary. However, when Hungarians are interacting in an international context or when their names are used in a non-Hungarian setting, they may sometimes adopt the Western order (given name first) for clarity or convenience.

The choice of given names in Hungary is influenced by tradition, religion, and increasingly, popular culture. Family names often have historical origins, sometimes relating to occupations, places, or patronymic origins. The concept of személynév is fundamental to personal identification and social interaction within Hungarian society, reflecting deep-rooted cultural norms.