Changes of names in the Munk and Goldzieher family

Absztrakt

My study focuses on the changes of family names and the underlying processes. The study is based on the case study which tracked down the family history from one generation to another starting in the beginning the 18. Century to the middle of the 20. Century. The study focuses on the significance of name changes among family members regarding the question of how much they expressed loyalty towards the Hungarian state, whether this move brought about their assimilation, and giving up Jewish self-consciousness. To sum up the family case study, it can be stated that the name changes were voluntary at all times in Munk and Goldzieher families. In the studied period, individual decisions were affected by various factors: urban lifestyle, economic advantages, migration, education and loyalty towards the state.