Why is the Country of the Magyar Called Hungary in English?
The term Magyar refers to the primary ethnic group in Hungary, while Magyarország (Hungary) is the official name for the country in the Hungarian language. So, why is it called Hungary in English?
The Origins and Evolution of "Hungary"
The name Hungary in English is derived from the Latin term Hungaria. The Magyars, who are the primary ethnic group in Hungary, migrated to the region from the Ural Mountains in the late 9th century. While they refer to themselves as Magyars, the term Magyarország is their official name for the country, literally meaning "Kingdom of the Magyars."
Interestingly, the name Hungary for Hungary is a term used by foreigners who don't speak Hungarian. This nomenclature dates back to the time when a confederation of tribes settled in the Hungarian basin and founded the first Hungarian nation in the tenth century CE, naming themselves Magyars. The term Magyarország reflects their own linguistic and cultural heritage, while Hungary has a historical origin related to the ancient Hunnic kingdom that stood in the region before the Magyars.
The Influence of "Pannonia"
The term Pannonia comes from the Roman Empire, which referred to the region around the Hungarian basin as "Pannonia." This term was used as the name for the Roman province in that area before the Magyars arrived. The Hunnic kingdom, which was located in the region, was a short-lived entity and did not last for long.
Names in Different Languages
It is common for different languages to have different names for the same country. This is because country names are words too and need to be translated or adapted for different linguistic contexts. For instance, while much of the Slavic languages and German call the country differently:
Czech and Slovak speakers call it Maarsko and Uhry respectively. German speakers use the term Ungarn.In English, the term "Hungary" is the one widely used. The term Magyarország is the official language of the Hungarians, reflecting their sense of identity and heritage.
Etymology of the Names
The term Magyar likely originated from mań, meaning "a man" in Proto-Ugric, an ancestor of the modern Hungarian language. The term Hungary comes from Latin, specifically Hungaria, and is a combination of H and Ungaria. The H was added later due to confusion between the Magyars and the Huns, who contributed to the Hungarian DNA.
The term Ungarsko in Czech suggests an association with the Hunnic kingdom and other ancient peoples. The name Magyarország focuses on the identity and heritage of the Magyars, recognizing them as a distinct group who considered themselves "men."
In conclusion, the term "Hungary" in English reflects a historical and cultural evolution that connects it to different linguistic and historical contexts. The term "Magyarország" is a reflection of the Hungarian identity and heritage, emphasizing their self-identification as a distinct cultural group.