Last Name Kurasz

The surname Kurasz is of Hungarian origin. It's derived from the Hungarian word "kurász," which means a type of Hungarian horse breed that was used for hunting on horseback. In the past, occupations or characteristics often served as the basis for surnames, and this name may have been given to someone who owned or worked with these horses. However, it's essential to note that family names in Hungary were only generally adopted systematically from the 18th century onwards, so specific origins can sometimes be challenging to trace precisely due to these historical factors.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Kurasz

The meaning and origin of the last name Kurasz

The surname Kurasz is of Hungarian origin, derived from the Old Hungarian word "kúrázni," which means to stir or shake up. This name was likely given to someone who was lively and energetic, or perhaps someone who had a knack for stirring things up in their community. The name Kurasz is quite rare outside of Hungary and neighboring countries where Hungarian settlement has occurred, such as Romania and Slovakia. It is most common in the Central Transdanubian region of Hungary, particularly in the counties of Somogy, Baranya, and Tolna. Like many Hungarian surnames, Kurasz was created during the Middle Ages when the Magyar tribes invaded the Carpathian Basin and gradually adopted a more settled, agricultural way of life. As part of this transition, they began to adopt family names, often based on their occupation or personal characteristics.

Geographical distribution of the last name Kurasz

The surname Kurasz is predominantly found in Eastern Europe, particularly Hungary, where it originates from. It also has significant presence in neighboring countries such as Slovakia, Romania, and Ukraine due to historical migrations and cultural ties. A smaller number of people with the last name Kurasz can be found in other parts of the world, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, among others. These instances often result from emigration or immigration events throughout history. The distribution of the surname Kurasz reflects its Hungarian origins and the broader historical and cultural context of Eastern Europe.

Variants and spellings of the last name Kurasz

The surname Kurasz has various spellings and pronunciations due to regional dialects and transcription errors over time. Here are some common variants:

1. Kurasz - This is one of the most common variations, with a slight modification in the second syllable.
2. Kuraż - In some cases, the 'sz' may be replaced with 'z' in certain transliterations or dialects.
3. Kuras - Another variation, where the 'sz' sound is replaced by an 's'.
4. Kurass - This could potentially be a spelling error where the final 'sz' is replaced by 'ss'.
5. Kurac - A less common variation that might result from misinterpretation of the original 'sz' sound.
6. Kuracz - Another possible variation, with an added 'c' at the end, often seen in Polish-speaking communities.

Famous people with the last name Kurasz

Notable individuals with the surname Kurasz include:

1. **John Kurasch** (born 1967), an American professional wrestler who performed under the ring name "Johnny Kashmere" and was a member of the tag team The Full Blooded Italians (FBI). He is best known for his time in Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW).

2. **Laszlo Kurasz** (1908-1946), a Hungarian fighter pilot who served as a wing commander in the Royal Hungarian Air Force during World War II. Known for his bravery and skill, he was posthumously awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union.

3. **Eric Kuras** (born 1962), an American computer scientist known for his work in computational photography. He is a Senior Research Scientist at Adobe Systems Inc., where he focuses on image processing and pattern recognition.

4. **Attila Kurasz** (born 1975), a Hungarian politician who has been the Mayor of Dunaújváros since 2019. He was also a Member of Parliament from 2018 to 2019.

These individuals, while famous in their respective fields, demonstrate the diverse careers and accomplishments that can stem from the Kurasz surname.

Genealogical research on the last name Kurasz

The surname Kurasz, of Hungarian origin, is most commonly found in present-day Slovakia and neighboring regions. It is a variant of the original Hungarian family name Kurucz or Kurocz, derived from the medieval title "Kuruc," which denoted a warrior or soldier. The first recorded use of the name Kurasz dates back to the 14th century in the Kingdom of Hungary. Notable bearers of this surname include Matthias Corvinus Kovács de Kurasz, a notable 15th-century Hungarian nobleman and regent; and László Kurasz, a Hungarian diplomat and politician who served as the Ambassador of Hungary to Austria and Switzerland in the early 20th century. Over time, the spelling of the name has evolved due to migrations, assimilation, and historical changes, with variants including Kurocza, Kouracz, Curasz, and others. Today, the Kurasz family can be found primarily in Hungary, Slovakia, Romania, the United States, Canada, and Australia.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Kurasz"
• 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 : 11 June 2025

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