Eastern European surnames: I and Y

[zuga]

Speaking in geographical terms Hungary is in Central Europe.

But there was a time when Hungary was part of the Eastern communist block , so one can argue that Hungary is indeed Eastern European country..

But thats only outdated political observation, especially since Hungary is now in the EU.


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_Europe

[Casinomeister]

...But thats only outdated political observation...

I guess I'm outdated - anything East of Bavaria is Eastern Europe to me

[brucefinaldi]

I believe it has to do with the fact that it is based upon the fact that when looking at a named based upon the transliteration, one can see where the surname's geographic history comes from.

So for example if you have a name that is the same (ex. Greenberg), it can be spelled several ways -

Greenberg
Greenburgh
Greeburg
Grynberg
Greenburghe

All this names may have the same historical background and even meaning (greenberg may mean green mountain in certain cultures). But it is the spelling of the name where it can placed to a gepgraphical or ethnic location.

Last Name Example -

John
Jon
Sean
Shawn

All meaning John, one may be english, one may be Irish (Sean).

This is why.

Just my 2 cents, I hoped this helped, and if it didn't help, I tried!

Take Care,

Bruce

[brucefinaldi]

Regarding Hungary,

The Hungarians are Magyars. I believe originally coming from the Ural Altai tribes of Central Asia. This being said, the Hungarian culture has many differences when compared to it's neighbors.

When people generally speak about Eastern Europe, they are generally speaking about people's of Slavic Origin (correct me if I am wrong).

Specifically in the case of Hungarians, they see themselves as Central European, but they are not Germanic in ethnic history.

Hungary also has an amazing cuisine that is much different from it's neighbors, another indicator of Hungary's Magyar past (being from central Asia).

Cheers,

Bruce