Személynévre

Személynévre is a Hungarian term that translates to "personal name." It refers to the names given to individuals within a society. In Hungarian culture, a personal name typically consists of two parts: a given name and a surname. The order in which these are presented is a significant cultural distinction compared to many Western naming conventions.

Traditionally, in Hungarian, the surname precedes the given name. For example, in the name "Nagy János," "Nagy" is the surname (meaning "big" or "great"), and "János" is the given name (the Hungarian form of John). This order is standard in formal contexts, official documents, and when referring to someone by their full name. However, in informal conversation, similar to English, the given name might be used first, especially when addressing someone directly or in a more casual setting.

The selection of personal names in Hungary is influenced by various factors, including family tradition, religious significance, popular trends, and historical figures. Many given names have biblical origins, while others are derived from Hungarian folklore or have been adopted from other languages. Surnames in Hungary are often descriptive, occupational, or refer to geographical locations or noble lineage. Over time, the usage and formality of presenting personal names have seen some evolution, but the surname-first convention remains a core element of Hungarian identity.