szab

Szab is a surname of Hungarian origin, most often encountered as a shortened form of Szabó, the Hungarian occupational surname meaning "tailor." Szabó is derived from the Hungarian word szabó, meaning tailor, and reflects the medieval practice of forming surnames from a craftsman's trade.

The form Szab is used in some contexts as a simplified or Anglicized version of Szabó, especially when diacritics are omitted in international records. In genealogical and historical sources, Szab may appear as a standalone surname, though Szabó remains the standard spelling in Hungarian contexts. Other spellings include Szabo and, less commonly, Szab.

Distribution patterns show Szab most prominently among Hungarians and people of Hungarian ancestry. It is found in Hungary and in diaspora communities across Central and North America and in parts of Europe, including Romania (notably Transylvania) and Slovakia, due to historical migration and borders.

As with many Hungarian occupational surnames, Szab does not imply current occupation and bearers may have no historical association with tailoring. The surname forms part of a broader pattern in Central European naming where trades, places, and personal characteristics became hereditary family names.

See also: Szabó (surname).