Kovacs
A Hungarian surname meaning “smith,” originally an occupational name for a metalworker.
The #3,917 most common surname in the United States (2010 Census) — about 1 in every 34,033 Americans shares it.
Etymology
Kovács is the common Hungarian word for a smith, from the older Slavic word for “smith” (compare Czech kovář and related forms). As a surname, it began as an occupational name for someone who made or repaired metal goods. The final -s is part of the Hungarian word and is not the English plural ending.
History
It is one of the most widespread surnames in Hungary and among Hungarian-speaking communities. In English-language records it often appears without the accent as Kovacs, and related spellings can reflect both Hungarian and immigrant-record variation. Because “smith” is such a common trade name, parallel forms exist across many European languages.
Origin
Regions
Variant spellings
Fun fact
Kovács is so common in Hungary that it is often used much like “Smith” is in English.