Find out how popular the first name Zoltan has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Zoltan by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Zoltan is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 10 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Zoltan.

The history of the first name Zoltan

The name Zoltan originates from the Hungarian language and culture, with roots dating back to the 9th century. It is derived from the old Hungarian word "zoltán," which means "lord" or "ruler." The name was likely given to nobility or those of high social status during the Middle Ages in Hungary.

Zoltan has a strong historical presence in Hungarian literature and folklore. One of the earliest known references to the name can be found in the Gesta Hungarorum, a 13th-century chronicle that recounts the origin story of the Hungarian people. The name is also mentioned in various medieval documents and records related to the Hungarian nobility.

The earliest recorded person with the name Zoltan was Zoltan of Transylvania, a Hungarian nobleman who lived in the 15th century. Other notable historical figures bearing the name include Zoltan Kodaly (1882-1967), a renowned Hungarian composer and ethnomusicologist who helped revive and preserve traditional Hungarian folk music.

In the realm of literature, Zoltan Meskó (1833-1905) was a prominent Hungarian writer and dramatist during the 19th century. His works often explored the themes of Hungarian nationalism and the struggles of the common people.

Moving into the 20th century, Zoltan Tildy (1889-1961) was a Hungarian politician who served as the first president of the Second Hungarian Republic after World War II. He played a crucial role in the country's transition to democracy during that turbulent period.

Another notable figure was Zoltan Ovary (1940-2022), a Hungarian-American biologist and inventor who made significant contributions to the field of reproductive biology and assisted reproductive technologies, including the development of the first successful human in vitro fertilization procedure.

Zoltan has remained a popular name in Hungary throughout the centuries, carrying a sense of tradition and cultural significance. While its usage may have fluctuated over time, the name continues to be embraced by Hungarian families, often as a way to honor their heritage and national identity.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Zoltan was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Zoltan, please contact us.

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