Sandor is a Hungarian male given name with a rich history and significant meaning. The name is derived from the Old Hungarian word "szent" which means "saint". Therefore, Sandor translates to "saint" or "holy". It was a popular name in medieval Hungary, often used for boys born around religious holidays.
The earliest known use of the name Sandor can be traced back to the 10th century. It is believed that it was first used by a Hungarian nobleman named Sandor I, who was also known as Saint Stephen. He became the first Christian king of Hungary in 975 AD and is still venerated as a saint by the Catholic Church.
Throughout history, many notable figures have carried the name Sandor. One such figure is Sándor Petőfi, considered one of the greatest Hungarian poets of the 19th century. His romantic poetry had a significant impact on the Hungarian language and culture. Other notable individuals include Sándor Márai, a prolific writer whose works have been translated into numerous languages, and Sándor Kőrösi Csoma, an explorer who was instrumental in reviving the study of the Tibetan language.
Today, Sandor remains a popular name in Hungary and among the Hungarian diaspora worldwide. It is often paired with other traditional Hungarian names such as László, Zoltán, or István. While it may not be as widely recognized internationally as some other European names, Sandor holds a special place in Hungarian culture and history. Its meaning as "saint" or "holy" continues to resonate with many who choose this name for their children, imbuing it with a sense of reverence and spirituality.
The name Sandor experienced a significant increase in popularity over the course of the 20th century, with a consistent rise in births from the late 1940s onwards. The peak occurred between 1960 and 1970, during which time there were consistently high numbers of births each year, reaching as many as 29 births in 1970. However, since then, the popularity of the name has declined steadily, with only a handful of births recorded annually from the late 1980s onwards, and particularly so from the turn of the century up to the most recent data available in 2023, with only 5 births recorded each year.