Do you know what is the most popular Hungarian street name? Part II

From the point of view of orientation, it is essential to name streets, bridges, and squares. All countries agree on this. However, how we name the streets varies from country to country.

In the previous part of our list, we have already presented the most popular street names in Hungary. Czech linguist Jakub Marian gathered within Europe what the most  popular street names in some countries were. The most popular street names are Via Roma in Italy, calle Mayor in Spain, Hauptstrasse in Germany, High Street in the UK, Rue de L’Église in France, and Sándor Petőfi Street in Hungary.

From our previous list, it turned out that Kossuth Lajos Street, Rákóczi Street, Dózsa György Street, and Ady Endre Street are also in the top 5 in Hungary. In other words, the streets in Hungary are often named after famous historical figures and great figures of Hungarian literature. Let’s see the names between the 6th and 10th places.

6. Arany János

János Arany was a poet, teacher, and editor. Moreover, he was a member and main secretary of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences. He wrote his works mostly in the genre of the ballad, which is why he is also called the Shakespeare of ballads. In addition to his own works, he also undertook translation work. He spoke Latin, Greek, German, English, and French as well. He was a contemporary and a good friend of Sándor Petőfi. Some believe that he got a cold at the inauguration of a Petőfi statue in 1882 and subsequently died of pneumonia at the age of 65. His most famous works are “The Bards of Wales” and the Toldi trilogy.

7. József Attila

Attila József is also one of the most prominent figures in Hungarian poetry. He studied at the University of Szeged to be a teacher but was dismissed for his political poem entitled “Tiszta Szívvel”. He studied in Vienna, then at the Sorbonne in Paris. He was greatly influenced by German and French poetry, especially by the work of Villon. He sympathised with Communism and was therefore a constant target of attacks. His poetry was not understood in his life. His love life was difficult and he also had financial problems. His early and tragic death is still shrouded in mystery. In a confused state of mind, he got under the wheels of a freight train at the Balatonszárszó railway station. People still debate whether it was suicide or a terrible accident. 

8. Jókai

Mór Jókai worked in many fields during his life. Among other things, he was a novelist, a Member of Parliament, and a member of the board of directors of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences. Originally, his name was Móricz Jókay. He took part in the 1848-49 Revolution and War of Independence. In his name, the letter ‘y’ referred to noble origins, so he replaced it with the letter ‘i’. He died of pneumonia at the age of 80. His novels are characterised by romance and realism. His best-known novel is the Sons of the Stone-Hearted Man.

9. Peace

9th on the list is the first to be named not after a person but a concept. Peace is often understood as the opposite of war. There is also a World Peace Gong in the city of Gödöllő. Hungarian history is eventful, characterised by many struggles and occupations, which is why Peace Street can be so common and important.

10. Freedom

The situation is similar with the concept of freedom. Over the course of its history, Hungary  was under Turkish, Habsburg, and Soviet rule as well. Several of the people on our list also took part in struggles for liberation. Freedom and independence have always been important for Hungary. So, in addition to the legendary figures that fought for freedom, the concept of freedom is prominent.

Source: Daily News Hungary