Hungarian can seem like a weird language for foreigners. It is the same when it comes to place names, with the only difference that many of them sound funny to Hungarians, too, and translating them to English is simply hilarious.
These funny, cute, or simply weird place names presumably did not originally have the meaning we think of today. Nevertheless, hearing them can brighten your day – let us jump into it then.
Pile of princes (Herceghalom)
Herceghalom is a village west of Budapest. Agriculture is an important source of income there, although, in the past years, the population grew, while demographically, it also got younger. Unfortunately, the train accident that took the most lives in Hungary took place there, on December 1st, 1916.
It hurts (Fáj)
Fáj is located in the north-eastern part of Hungary, in Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén County. The first mention of the place is from 1243, but back then it was spelt ‘Fay,’ as it belonged to the Fáy family. If you happen to visit Fáj, make sure you visit the Fáy Castle.
Double chin (Toka)
Toka belongs to Romania these days, ever since the Trianon treaty. In 2002, 1,6723 people lived there, only three of whom were Hungarian, while the rest were Romanian.
Blood trickles (Vércsorog)
Vércsorog is also located in Romania, not far from the Hungarian border. It presumably got its name from the characteristic purple, clay rock of the area. There is also a waterfall, the rocks behind which have a purple-ish colour that contributed to the weird place name.
They are taking you (Visznek)
Visznek is located in the Eastern part of the country. The first mentions of it are from before the Mongol invasion of Hungary. Legends say that it got its name by people saying that they should move up along the river because it kept flooding the town (“gyerünk feljebb a víznek”).
Big loogie (Nagycsula)
Nagycsula is also one of those places that used to be a part of Hungary, but due to the treaty of Trianon, it now belongs to Romania. The first mention of the place is from 1426, but back then it was spelt Chwla.
Fenékpuszta (Butt heath)
Fenékpuszta was presumably an important settlement in the olden days, as there are significant finds from both prehistoric and Roman times. The Festetics family had an estate there, and it is also the birthplace of Júlia Szendrey, the wife of famous Hungarian poet Sándor Petőfi.
Look for it (Keresd)
Keresd is also a part of Romania now. The first mention of it is from 1305. By 1367, it was part of the Bethlen properties, and the Bethlen Castle still stands. Fun fact: there is also a place called Nekeresd, which means ‘don’t look for it.’
Featured image: facebook.com/Herceghalmi.kozosseg
Funny Hungarian town names
Herceghalom should be translated as the “Prince’s Hill”, but then it is no longer funny.
Yes there are some funny ones.
I also like Pointy (Hegyesd)
Or
My big problem (Nagybajom)
Or
Undie (Bugyi)