The surname Egry has roots in Hungary. It is a variant of the original Hungarian name "Egris," which is derived from the Old Hungarian personal name "Eger." The name Eger means "rooster" or "cock" in Hungarian, and it was originally used as a byname to denote a person who was lively, energetic, or had red hair. The surname Egry emerged when individuals bearing this name began to use their occupations, place of origin, or other distinguishing features to create unique surnames for themselves during the Middle Ages.
Learn more about the origin of the last name Egry
The meaning and origin of the last name Egry
The surname Egry has Hungarian origins, derived from the place name Eger, a city located in the northern part of Hungary. This town is known for its vineyards and the Eger Castle, a significant historical landmark. As with many Hungarian surnames, Egry was originally a toponymic name, indicating that the original bearer either lived near or hailed from the town of Eger. Over time, as families migrated and settled in different regions, variations of the name may have emerged due to differences in pronunciation and spelling based on local dialects and customs.
Geographical distribution of the last name Egry
The surname Egry is primarily distributed within Central Europe, particularly in Hungary and Slovakia, due to historical migration patterns and ethnic ties. In Hungary, it's most prevalent in counties such as Heves, Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén, and Nógrád, reflecting the region's historic significance in Hungarian history. In Slovakia, it can be found mainly in regions bordering with Hungary like Nitra and Trenčín. Smaller populations of individuals bearing the surname Egry are also present in other European countries such as Austria, Germany, and the Czech Republic, indicating dispersal during migration events or assimilation over time. The presence of Egry descendants can also be traced in countries with significant Hungarian immigrant communities, like the United States, Canada, Australia, and South America.
Variants and spellings of the last name Egry
The surname Egry can be found with several variations and spellings due to differences in transcription and translation over time. Some of these variants include Ecker, Eckerle, Eckhardt, Eckart, Eichler, Eigler, Egeler, Egert, Egerton, Aigler, and Aegerter. These variations may originate from regional dialects, migration, or simple errors in transcription during record keeping. Each of these forms represents a unique ancestral line, although they share a common root in the Old High German word "Ecke" meaning corner or angle.
Famous people with the last name Egry
Notable individuals with the surname Egry include:
1. Lajos Egry (1869-1952), a Hungarian composer and conductor who was primarily active in the United States. He is best known for his operas, including "The Queen of Cornwall" and "Lady Morgan."
2. István Egry (1890-1943), a Hungarian poet who was part of the avant-garde movement in Hungary during the 1920s. He is remembered for his experimental style and his work has been influential in Hungarian poetry.
3. László Egry (1927-2015), a Hungarian-American architect who was the recipient of numerous awards, including the American Institute of Architects Gold Medal. His designs include the Kodak Tower and the AT&T Building in New York City.
4. Gábor Egry (born 1967), a Hungarian musician, music producer, and sound engineer who has worked with various artists from diverse genres such as pop, rock, and jazz. He is also a founder of the Hungarian Music Academy's Department of Sound Engineering.
Genealogical research on the last name Egry
The Egry surname originates from Hungary, specifically from the Transdanubian region around Lake Balaton. The name is derived from the occupational title "éger", which means "cooper" in Hungarian, referring to a craftsman who made and repaired barrels and containers from wood.
One of the earliest known records of the Egry family dates back to the 13th century in Somogy County, where they were vassals of the local nobility. Over time, branches of the family spread throughout Hungary and into other parts of Europe due to migration and political changes.
Notable figures with the Egry surname include László Egry (1869-1953), a prominent Hungarian painter, and Mihály Egry (1820-1871), a noted sculptor who studied under Bertel Thorvaldsen in Rome.
Today, the Egry surname can be found in various countries with significant Hungarian diaspora communities, such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and South America. Genealogical research into this surname often involves tracing its origins in Hungary and following its dispersal across continents over the centuries.
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