Bokor

Etymology

Bokor is a Hungarian topographic surname derived from the word bokor, meaning "bush" in Hungarian. It originally referred to someone who lived near a prominent bush or thicket, or it could have been given to individuals dwelling in a place named Bokor, such as a village in Hungary. The surname is a classic example of a topographic name, common in many cultures, where natural features of the landscape become identifiers for families.

Geographic Distribution

As a Hungarian surname, Bokor is most frequently found in Hungary and among Hungarian diaspora communities in neighboring countries like Romania (Transylvania) and Slovakia. It is relatively rare compared to more common Hungarian surnames, but its linguistic root is straightforward and transparent to Hungarian speakers.

Variants

A notable variant of Bokor is Bokori, which likely represents a different suffixed form—possibly a locative or patronymic adaptation.

Cultural Note

In a separate context, the term "bokor" appears in Haitian Vodou (spelled bòkò in Haitian Creole), referring to a sorcerer or male priest who practices both benevolent and malevolent magic. However, the Hungarian surname Bokor is etymologically unrelated to this term, as it derives from a different language family entirely.

Key Facts

• Meaning: "bush" (topographic)
• Origin: Hungarian
• Type: Surname
• Usage regions: Hungary and Hungarian-speaking areas