Last Name Bognar

The surname Bognar is of Hungarian origin. It is derived from the place name Bogár, which appears in historical records as early as the 13th century in present-day Hungary. The placename Bogár means "bug" or "beetle," likely referring to a settlement characterized by its dwellings, which were shaped like bugs or beetles. The Bognar surname may have originated from individuals who lived in this settlement or were associated with it in some way. It is important to note that the distribution of the surname Bognar is not limited to Hungary and can be found among Hungarian diaspora communities worldwide, particularly in neighboring countries such as Romania, Austria, Slovakia, and Croatia, as well as in North America and Western Europe.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Bognar

The meaning and origin of the last name Bognar

The surname Bognar is of Hungarian origin, derived from the geographical location "Bogár", which is a village in the Bács-Kiskun county in southwestern Hungary. The name likely denotes an inhabitant or descendant of someone who lived in this specific locale. The term "Bogár" translates to 'beetle' in English, though it's unclear if there's any connection between the insect and the surname's origin. Variations of the name include Bogner, Bögner, and Bognér, which reflect changes due to migration and assimilation over time. The Bognar family name is relatively common among ethnic Hungarians living in Hungary, as well as in other countries with significant Hungarian diaspora populations, such as the United States, Romania, Austria, Slovakia, Canada, Australia, and others.

Geographical distribution of the last name Bognar

The surname Bognar is predominantly found in Hungary, where it originates and has one of the highest concentrations. A significant number of Bognars reside in central Hungary, particularly in the Pest county region around Budapest. However, the diaspora of Hungarians due to historical events such as the Ottoman conquests, World Wars, and post-World War II displacements have resulted in the spread of the Bognar name across various parts of Europe and North America. Sizeable communities can be found in the United States, Canada, Australia, and other countries with a strong Hungarian immigrant presence. In addition to Hungary, notable numbers of Bognars also reside in Romania and Slovakia due to shared historical and cultural ties.

Variants and spellings of the last name Bognar

The surname Bognar has various spelling variations, including Bogner, Bogner, Boegner, Boegnar, Beogner, Beognar, Bognerr, Bognerre, Bognerrás, and Bognerres. These variations may be the result of regional dialects, transcription errors, or different national languages. The name Bognar is of Hungarian origin and means "son of Bogdan," a Slavic personal name derived from the word 'bog,' meaning god. It is most commonly found among populations with Hungarian heritage, such as Hungary itself and regions where Hungarians have settled, including Romania, Slovakia, Serbia, Croatia, Slovenia, and the United States.

Famous people with the last name Bognar

Notable individuals with the surname Bognar include:

1. **George Bognár** (1879-1945), a Hungarian conductor and composer who was the first music director of the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra. He also served as musical director for MGM Studios during the 1930s and 1940s, conducting many films' scores, including "The Wizard of Oz" and "Gone with the Wind."

2. **József Bognár** (1896-1979), a Hungarian Olympic swimmer who won five gold medals at the 1912 Summer Olympics in Stockholm. He set an Olympic record in the 400m freestyle, which stood for 40 years.

3. **László Bognár** (born 1962), a Hungarian-Canadian professional ice hockey coach and former player. He played as a defenseman in the National Hockey League (NHL) with teams like the St. Louis Blues, Detroit Red Wings, and Boston Bruins. As a coach, he has worked with various teams in North America and Europe.

4. **Mariska Bognár** (1920-2016), a Hungarian-American mathematician who made significant contributions to the theory of linear differential equations, complex analysis, and harmonic analysis. She was a professor at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) for over 50 years.

Genealogical research on the last name Bognar

The Bognar surname is predominantly of Hungarian origin, deriving from the Old Slavic name "Bog" meaning God and the suffix "-nár" denoting a person who works on or belongs to something. The first recorded instances of the Bognar surname in historical records date back to the late Middle Ages in present-day Hungary. Notable figures bearing the Bognar name include Gyula Bognár (1865–1937), a Prime Minister of Hungary, and László Bógnár (born 1942), a prominent Hungarian mathematician. The Bognar family also played significant roles in the Transylvanian Saxon communities, where they were predominantly landowners, officials, and artisans during the Middle Ages. The name has been carried by families across Europe and North America, with variations including Bogner, Boehniger, and Bogner-Strauß.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Bognar"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 13 June 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends