Csonka
A surname of Hungarian origin meaning "crippled" or "mutilated".
According to the 2010 US Census Bureau surname tables, roughly 377 Americans carry the last name Csonka. That puts it at #61,123 in the national surname ranking, appearing at a frequency of 0.11 per 100,000 people (about 1 in 909,163 residents).
This page is the full Name Census profile for the Csonka surname. You will find the Census Bureau frequency data, an ancestry and ethnicity breakdown based on self-reported demographics, the name's meaning and origin where available, and answers to the most common questions people ask about this surname.
Bearers in the US
377
1 in 909,163
Census rank
#61,123
2010 decennial data
Per 100,000
0.1
Frequency rate
Recorded bearers
329
very rare in the US
Popularity narrative
The Census Bureau recorded 329 bearers of the surname Csonka in its 2010 decennial surname file. At a rate of 0.11 per 100,000 residents, it holds the 61123rd position in the national surname ranking.
Among Census respondents with the surname Csonka, the largest self-reported group is White at 92.1%. The next largest groups are Hispanic (3.3%) and Two or More Races (2.4%).
Origin
Meaning and origin of Csonka
The surname Csonka is of Hungarian origin, with its roots tracing back to the Middle Ages. The name is derived from the Hungarian word "csonka," which means "maimed" or "lacking a limb." It's believed that this surname was initially bestowed upon individuals who had sustained injuries or physical disabilities, particularly the loss of a limb, during wars or other conflicts.
In the 13th and 14th centuries, Hungary experienced numerous military campaigns and battles against invading forces, such as the Mongols and the Ottomans. During these turbulent times, many soldiers and warriors likely acquired the surname Csonka, reflecting their sacrifices and wounds sustained in combat.
One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Csonka can be found in the Liber Regius, an official register of Hungarian nobility from the late 14th century. This document mentions a nobleman named Petrus Csonka, who served as a knight and held lands in the region of Zemplén.
In the 15th century, the Csonka family gained prominence in the region of Szabolcs, where they owned significant estates and played a role in local governance. A notable figure from this era was Mihály Csonka (c. 1420-1492), a respected landowner and military commander who fought against the Ottoman Turks.
During the 16th and 17th centuries, the Csonka name appeared in various historical records and documents across Hungary. One prominent individual was István Csonka (1561-1628), a clergyman and writer who authored several religious texts and served as the bishop of Eger.
In the 18th century, the Csonka family had significant presence in the region of Somogy. János Csonka (1720-1785) was a notable figure from this era, serving as a magistrate and playing a crucial role in local administration.
Another notable bearer of the Csonka surname was Pál Csonka (1892-1964), a Hungarian military officer and politician who served as the Minister of Defense during the interwar period and later became a member of the Hungarian Parliament.
Throughout history, the Csonka surname has been associated with various professions, including military service, clergy, landowners, and government officials. While the name's origins may have been rooted in physical disability, it has since evolved to represent a proud Hungarian lineage with a rich historical legacy.
Demographics
Ancestry and ethnicity for Csonka
Among Census respondents with the surname Csonka, the largest self-reported group is White at 92.1%. The next largest groups are Hispanic (3.3%) and Two or More Races (2.4%).
The bar chart below shows how Csonka bearers described their own race and ethnicity on the 2010 Census form. The Census Bureau groups responses into six broad categories: White, Black or African American, Hispanic or Latino, Asian and Pacific Islander, American Indian and Alaska Native, and Two or More Races. When a category has too few respondents for a given surname, the Bureau suppresses the figure to protect individual privacy, which is why some names show fewer than six slices.
Keep in mind that these are self-reported numbers. A person's surname does not determine their race or ethnicity, and the distribution you see here reflects the specific population who happened to carry the Csonka surname at the time of the 2010 Census, not any inherent property of the name itself.
- White92.1%
- Hispanic or Latino3.3%
- Two or more races2.4%
- Asian and Pacific Islander1.5%
- Unknown or suppressed0.6%
Year on year
2000 vs 2010 Census
How has the Csonka surname changed between Census years? The chart shows bearer count side by side, and the table compares rank, count, and frequency.
Census year comparison
| Metric | 2000 | 2010 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #56,687 | #61,123 | -7.8% |
| Count | 337 | 329 | -2.4% |
| Per 100K | 0.12 | 0.11 | -8.3% |
Between the 2000 and 2010 Census, the number of Csonka bearers went from 337 to 329 (-2.4% change). The surname moved down 4,436 positions in the national ranking, going from #56,687 to #61,123.
Notable bearers
Famous people with the surname Csonka
FAQ
Csonka surname: questions and answers
How common is the last name Csonka?
The surname Csonka holds position #61,123 in the US Census Bureau's surname ranking, with an estimated 377 living bearers. It occurs at a rate of 0.11 per 100,000 Americans.
What is the ethnic background of the Csonka surname?
Among Census respondents with the surname Csonka, the largest self-reported group is White at 92.1%. The next largest groups are Hispanic (3.3%) and Two or More Races (2.4%). These figures come from the 2010 Census Bureau surname tables, based on how respondents described their own race and ethnicity.
Where does this surname data come from?
All surname statistics on Name Census are drawn from the US Census Bureau's decennial surname frequency tables. These tables list every surname that appeared 100 or more times in the 2010 Census, along with a frequency rate and self-reported demographic breakdown. You can read the full explanation on our methodology page.