Do Hungarians say last name first?

Published: July 31 2023

Yes, Hungarians do say their last name first, contrary to most Western societies. It is a unique characteristic within their culture and follows a tradition of Eastern name order.

Early signs of this naming sequence can be traced back to the ancient Asian practice, which implies a collective society. In these societies, family ties and hierarchy were prioritized over individual identity. Therefore, placing the family name first was seen as a sign of respect.

Officially, all Hungarian documents, forms, and processes stick to this naming convention, wherein the surname is followed by the first name. Furthermore, even in informal communication, the same format is applied, continuing with the prevalent cultural practice.

However, when Hungarians interact with foreigners or are in an international setting, they may switch to the Western naming order. This is to prevent confusion as the Western norm, practised broadly, reasonably assumes the first name is mentioned initially.

In conclusion, Hungarian society traditionally says their last name first, honoring their historical and cultural values. Nevertheless, flexibility is permitted, keeping up with the cultural norms of their international counterparts and aiding optimal global communication. Whether the last name is placed first or last is simply a matter of context.