Last Name Sekely

The surname Sekely is of Hungarian origin. It is derived from a geographical name referring to someone who lived near a forest or wooded area. Specifically, it comes from the word "sekér," meaning "woodcutter." In Hungarian, the term can also refer to a type of tree found in the Carpathian Mountains. However, like many surnames, its exact origin and meaning can vary depending on individual family histories and regional dialects.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Sekely

The meaning and origin of the last name Sekely

The surname Sekely, which is of Hungarian origin, is derived from an occupation or a geographical location. The name originally comes from the Old Hungarian word "sekely," meaning a woodcutter or someone who lived near a forest edge, as the term was used to describe people living on the outskirts of forests who were skilled in cutting wood for a living. Over time, it evolved into a surname, with various spellings such as Szekely, Szekel, and Seculy being common due to different transliteration methods and regional variations. The Szekelys are also a historically important group within Hungary, known for their unique culture and traditions. They settled in Transylvania during the Middle Ages and played a significant role in defending the region against invaders. Today, people with the surname Sekely can be found worldwide, with a large concentration of the name in Hungary and other Eastern European countries.

Geographical distribution of the last name Sekely

The surname Sekely has its origins in Hungary and is predominantly found among the Szekler community, an ethnic group indigenous to the historical region of Szeklerland in eastern Transylvania, Romania. Historically, Szeklers were largely nomadic shepherds and warriors, often serving as border guards for the Kingdom of Hungary against invading forces from the east. Today, the highest concentration of people with the surname Sekely reside in Hungary and Romania. Additionally, small populations can be found in other Eastern European countries such as Slovakia, Czech Republic, Poland, and Ukraine, where Szeklers migrated over centuries due to political and economic reasons. Furthermore, diaspora communities exist in Western nations like the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, primarily resulting from immigration in the 20th century.

Variants and spellings of the last name Sekely

The surname Sekely can be found with various spelling variations due to differences in transliteration and transcription over time, as well as regional dialects. Some of these variations include Székely, Szecley, Szekelyi, Szikely, Seckely, Secley, and Sekelj. These variations can be traced back to the Székely people, who are a Hungarian ethnic group primarily living in Transylvania (modern-day Romania). The name "Székely" translates to "highlander" or "uplander," as they originally inhabited the mountainous regions of Eastern Europe. The spelling variations mainly stem from the assimilation of Székely immigrants in different countries and their efforts to adapt their names to the local phonetic and orthographic conventions.

Famous people with the last name Sekely

Notable individuals with the surname Sekely include:

1. Joseph Sekely (1926-2003), a Hungarian-American jazz musician and composer, who played the oboe and was a member of the Modern Jazz Quartet.

2. György Sekely (born 1944), a Hungarian-American physicist known for his work in high energy physics and plasma astrophysics. He has made significant contributions to our understanding of quasars, neutron stars, and black holes.

3. Zoltán Sékely (1860-1935), a Hungarian composer and violinist who was one of the first Hungarians to study music in Germany, and is recognized as an important figure in the development of the Hungarian symphonic tradition.

4. Gábor Sekely (born 1958), a Hungarian-American author and public speaker known for his work on self-improvement and consciousness exploration. He is the founder of the Bioenergetics Academy and the author of several books, including "Bioenergetic Exercises" and "The Path to Self-Knowledge."

5. Eszter Sekeres (born 1987), a Hungarian swimmer who competed at the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens, winning a bronze medal as part of the 4x200-meter freestyle relay team. She also won four medals at the European Championships between 2006 and 2012.

Genealogical research on the last name Sekely

The surname Sekely is of Hungarian origin, derived from the occupational name "Segéd", meaning "helper" or "servant". The name was often given to servants who worked for noble families in medieval Hungary, with some variations emerging over time such as Szekely, Székey, and Szecsy.

The Szekely (or Székely) tribe is an important historical group within Hungary, originating from the Eastern Carpathian Mountains. They are known for their distinctive customs, language, and military traditions, dating back to the 9th century. The term "Székely" refers to those who lived on a szék or fortified settlement.

During the Ottoman invasions in the 16th century, many Szekely families migrated to Transylvania, present-day Romania, where they played significant roles in defending against the invaders. The Sekely family name can also be found in other parts of Europe due to migration and settlement over centuries.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "sekely"
• 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 : 25 July 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends