In memory of

Frank (Ferenc) Kurucz

B. January 20, 1936 -
Ersekujvar, Hungary (now named Nové Zámky, Slovakia)


D. August 15, 2003 - Ajax, Ontario, Canada

 

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A History of the 'Kurucz' Name

The 'Kurucz' name originates from old Hungary - Hungary before the borders were changed following World War II. Currently, much of the area lies in Slovakia, but before that in the now separated "Czechoslovakia". The town/city where my particular line of Kurucz's comes from was called "Ersekujvar ". After the war - and currently - the city is called " Nové Zámky" (see town web site: http://www.novezamky.sk). The origin of the name 'Kurucz' is somewhat obscured by history and there have been some different viewpoints on the origins:

  • One version proports that the name comes from the French word "croix" or the German "kreuz", which means "cross" in English. Apparently, there were a group of Hungarian horsemen who carried the cross or flags with crosses at the head of the crusades in the middle ages.
  • Another version states that the name is an evolution from other words - the "z" was added on later and the name originates from 'Kuruc' (Slovak spelling?). Other derivations of the name include 'Kurtz', 'Kurutz', 'Kuruce' (Polish), 'Kurucic' (Serbia), 'Caroots', and 'Kurucs'. Gábor Lukács, a history researcher clarifies much of this in his email to me, copied below in the "Some of the Kurucz's around the world who have contacted me:" section. Michael Churilla has also added some clarification to the history from a visit he made to Hungary in 2008. Check these out below! They are really fascinating.

One interesting part of the history of the 'Kurucz' name is how the name has spread. In the early part of the 20th century, mobility wasn't as high as it was later in the century. If you had the name 'Kurucz', you probably lived in Czechoslavakia, Romania, or Hungary. Now, there are 1st, 2nd, or even 3rd generation Kurucz's all over the world who have no tie to the geographic or religious origins of the name. For example, there are now literally hundreds of Kurucz's in Canada and United States who are first-language English speakers and totally native to North American culture with no ties to their historical "homeland".

What does this mean? If you are a believer in some strong genetic traits carried down through families, then you might say that a 'Kurucz' is a natural horse rider or they are typical "Eastern Europeans" (whatever that means!). Likely people will see traits in your facial features that they will call "Slavik" or "Eastern European". Or even further back, from the Magyar strain that originates in what is now Western China! My niece and my youngest son both look a little like Mongols!

If you don't believe that genetics are a big part of who you are, and you know that the Kurucz's in your family inter-married with lots of other nationalities and races, then the 'Kurucz' name is simply a name, and nothing more unique than that! Hard to spell for most, but who cares?

I have heard many Hungarians say that all Hungarian men have "blue blood" and are therefore Princes. I can attest to this statment. It is absolutely true!!   (Ha, ha!)

Please get in touch if you are from the Kurucz, Kuruc, Kurutz, etc. clans. We are likely all related from back in the 1700-1900 range. Others are researching their families (see the growing list below) and would love to hear from you if can help them. I am acting as an emali go-between in order to protect the privacy of individuals so please email me any requests to individuals and I will forward them on.

Paul Kurucz
Victoria , BC, Canada

(A 'Kurucz' of mixed heritage and born and raised in Canada in an English speaking home)

The Kurucz emblem noted above right was sent to me by Stefan Kurucz in Germany. Danke, Stefan!

Hello other Kurucz's out there!

Know something about the Kurucz name that could correct/expand what is above? Know some history of your Kurucz heritage you could share with other Kurucz's or descendants? Please e-mail me!

Some of the Kurucz's around the world who have contacted me:

  • Alexander Kurucz - Vienna, Austria. - 2003

  • Stefan Kurucz - Living in Germany, born in Romania. -2003

  • Zsazsa Kurucz-Bull - Living in the UK whose father was born near the Romanian border in Hungary. -2004

    • Zsazsa writes:

      "My father was born in Hungary close to the Romanian border, and his father was born in what used to be old part of Hungary which is now Romania.

      My father told me there used to be villages of families....and the Kurucz family were from Romania.
      Our name is one of the earliest of Hungarian names I believe. ...

      When I was last in Hungary some time ago.. my cousin presented me with a book which he retrieved from his loft.

      The book was titled 'The Last of the Kurucz's' it was obviously all in Hungarian...but I was eager to find out the story. Unfortunately since then my father seems to have misplaced the book and I have been trying to trace another ever since."

    • Has anyone who reads this seen a copy of this book or can recommend a source of how to find one? Please e-mail me (Paul Kurucz) if you can help!

  • Catherine Kurucz - South Africa - 2004

    • Catherine writes:

    "My name is Catherine Kurucz. My dad was born in SZABADHEDY, Hungary. I'm so desperately trying to find his family and am having no luck."

    • If anyone has any information on Kurucz's born there, living there, or can help in any way with this, please e-mail me (Paul Kurucz) and I will forward this information on to Catherine.

  • Gergely Kurucz - Hungary - 2004

  • Tracey Montgomery (nee Szusz) - Canada - Kurucz Great Grandmother: Elizabeth Kurucz, Paks town Hungary. - 2004

  • Helene Kurucz - Austria. -2004

    • Helene writes:

    "I have read another version about the history of the Kurucz-Name: You wrote on your homepage about the horseman. This horseman called themselves "Kuruzzen". The word comes from the turkish word kurudsch, which means rebel, insurgent. I´ve got this informations from the book: Die Ungarn (The Hungarians) written by Paul Lendvai, published by Bertelsmann."

  • Alexander Kurucz - Switzerland / UK - 2004

    • Alexander writes:

      "For your interest, my grandfather's family originates just over the border from Slovakia, in Bukowina Tatrzanska...About 10 years back I went back to Bukowina and visited a graveyard there. I was surprised to discover that the name on the various headstones (I think that I counted about 10) was 'Kuruce'. There were no 'Kurucz' headstones. Also there is a hill in Bukowina called 'Kuruce' - the e at the end makes the word sound like a plural or possessive in Polish, just like an s-suffix in English.

      I don't know who changed the family name... It seems to have been a reasonably common practise in the area.

      The pronounciation of 'cz' approximates to 'c' in Polish and the former spelling looks perhaps a little less foreign, I'm not sure. Maybe when the family immigrated to the UK my grandfather took the chance to amend his name in the passport application? Certainly 'Kurucz' is a rare name in Poland.

      In England most Kurucz's are Hungarian as far as I can tell. Back in about 1985 when Iran downed a Panam there were two British Kurucz's on board. In about 1 hour I got phoned by at least 6 British journalists to say that family members were on the plane - I had to admit that they were not relatives of mine."

  • Miranda Kurucz - BC, Canada - 2005

    • "I was just doing some research on my family's ancestry and I came across your article! And then I noticed you lived on Vancouver Island, I just thought all of that was neat. My name is Miranda Kurucz, ... and my grandpa is full hungarian (my dad half.. I 1/4) ... Hey I also own a horse, and I train them! That's kinda neat. Maybe it is in the blood ;-) anyways, I just thought I'd email you because I found your article interesting, and I never hear of other Kurucz's outside of our immediate family..."


  • Meredith Kurucz - USA - 2005

    • "Hi there--just came across your website and thought it was interesting. I married a Kurucz and was told by my husband's grandfather that the name means "cross" in English. He also rolls the "r" and has told us that that is the correct pronunciation of it. It's an interesting last name to carry (and also burdensome when no one can pronounce it). We also have a Daniel Kurucz --he is 4. Not such a small world after all, is it??? "

  • Tom Kurucz - BC, Canada - 2005 - No relation to Tom Cruise (?)

    • "In between household chores I decided to Google our name and voila! – there you were. My parents are from Hungary (Sopron) and immigrated to Canada in 1957 during the revolution. I have been meaning to sit down with them and begin to record all the family history they can remember before it’s too late, but we never seem to make it happen. Finding your website has inspired me to get on with it. Between family life and house reno’s, it just seems like there’s never enough time.

      We also hope to visit Hungary next summer if my mom’s health holds out. She’s only 73 but struggles with some medical problems. My parents have been back a couple times, but I have never been to Europe, and would love to take my kids to see Hungary with my parents so they can show us around. We’re hoping and praying that it will work out because I think it would be a fabulous trip, and truly a once in a lifetime experience to see the country with my parents.

      They have so many stories of their lives; their escape at nightfall (with my then 2 year old brother in tow), the boat ride to Canada where they knew no one and not a word of English, and their successful and fulfilled lives raising a family in their new country. Information, details and history that must be recorded for future generations."

    • Editor: IMPORTANT REQUEST FROM TO ALL KURUCZ'S, KURUC's KURUTZ's, etc.: Please contact your parents and/or grandparents TODAY and write down your family history from Hungary. Once your parents/grandparents have passed away, like my father, there is no link left to Hungary and your family history will be gone FOREVER. What history is documented in Hungary is in Hungarian and if you don't speak the language, you will have a tough time accessing it.

    And if you are parents yourself: As Tom Kurucz writes above, taking your kids to Hungary would be a trip of a lifetime. My parents took me in 1977 when I was 12 years old. I have never forgotten meeting my relatives and seeing where my father grew up. On reason I am developing this web page is to pass on some history to my sons...


  • Gábor Lukács - Pécs Hungary - Click here for an update from Gábor with new information and links! - 2005-2008

    • Gábor is not a Kurucz, but is a police officer in Hungary studying history part time at the University of Pécs. He was kind enough to forward the following history of the Kuruc and Kurucz name in August of 2005. A fascinating read! Thank you, Gábor!

      "'m Gábor Lukács (Gabriel Lucas...) from Hungary, just a hungarian police officer, but now i am studying history at university of Pécs in my free time. So I think I know what is the meaning or origin the name: kuruc!

      In 1664 the hungarian and austrian (Habsburg) army defeat the turkish army at Szentgotthárd. The triump was very big, but the Habsburg emperor, Leopold I. won't fight further and made a piece with the sultan, because he wanted to fight against Louis the XIV., the french king.

      The hungarian nobleman disappointed in Leopold, and started to organise resistance. It was the conspiracy by count of Wesselényi, but the emperor came to know this, and executed he and him companion. He dismissed the hungarian soldiers from the hungarian fortress and castles, and after this he call foreign army into castles. You don't forget that they were in war against the Ottoman Empire in Hungary! From the unemployed soldier and from the hajdus (hajdu means
      hungarian buckaroo with weapon) some noblemen - who dissappointed in Habsburg emperor - organise an army. This army used guerilla tactic against the german forces, and against the turkish empire.

      The name of these soldiers in this time (1670-1711) were kuruc.

      You, Paul think right, their name came from the cross. It was a crusade against the german and the turkish for the free and independence Hungary! The hungarian historicals call this age: between two paganish.

      The most of them were light cavalry. Their first leader was Imre Thököly, who conquer with the kurucs north Hungary in 1678-82. But in 1683 arrived a huge turkish army, who wanted occupy Vienna, but it were defeated. After the assault of Vienna, the Habsburg emperor Leopold I. (1657-1705) started to reconquista of Hungary from the turkey.

      Thököly wanted to fight further against the german (or austrian, Habsburg etc.), but the kuruc army wanted to help in the war of reconquista.

      In 1689 the most territory of Hungary were free from the ottoman empire, but the german army was too cruel with the hungarian villages, and with hungarian people, so the kurucs wanted to fight against the german. But at this time the austrian army was to big and the kurucs (kuruc is means one man, kurucs is means many kuruc...) were weak. They live in the hills, forests and swamp and hated the german soldiers who wore snow-white uniform. They was named labanc by hungarian people. It was the labanc vs. kuruc war. /When I was a small kid, we play in the garden of the school labanc against kuruc, of course my every classmates wanted to be kuruc... :) The labanc's religion was katolist, and the kuruc's religion was lutherian or kalvinist. So they hated each other.

      The kuruc army wore a rusty color uniform, or brown-red uniform.

      The next big war name was the independent war of Rákóczi. Rákóczi Ferenc II. was prince of Transylvania. He was the mst famous hungarian hero and the biggest kuruc leader too! :)

      In this war (1703-1711) the hungarian army was defeated by the austrian army (labanc you know). The worshipful prince was on the run to France, to his alliance XIV. Louis. But the french king won't to fight against german, so he had to go from France. He went to Istambul, to the turkish sultan, and hoped, that he will help. But he didn't help of course. So he stayed near Istambul, in a small city: Rodosto. Rákóczi Ferenc the second (is correct in this form?) died there in 1735. He was the biggest and the last kuruc. When in 1905 his ashes was brought home with a train, millions Hungarian stood near rails where the train went! He rest in the kalvinist temple of Kassa (the biggest city in North
      Hungary, homeland of the kurucs), present day in Slovakia.

      After the Independence war of Rákózci, from the kuruc army was organised the hussar! The most famous hungarian soldier type! Are you heard about them? Hm? A light horseman in a beautiful uniform in the wars of XVIII. century, and in Napoleonic wars. That was the golden era of the hungarian hussars!

      Other things... Some hundreds years ago the hungarians abc wasn't definite, so some people wrote the hungarian consonant how they want. Kurutz, Kurucz or Kuruc are mean just the same. I think, that the Kuruc with cz or tz means that this people were nobleman, because they cultivate the tradition and knew how wrote theirs ancestor's names. When you see a hungarian name with an y (i) or ts (cs in hugarian), tz (c) it means, that ancestor of this family were nobleman or aristokrate.

      For example: the normal name: Kovács (smith) but a nobleman wore this name: Kováts. This writing style is seemed older you know... :) (The hungarian noblemen were very foppish...)

      The name: Kuruc is common in Hungary.

      I wanted that you will be proud of your name, I think that your grand-grand-grandfater was a kuruc soldier! :) This is a good hungarian name."

      ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

      A further update from Gábor, a few days after he sent the first batch of information: (thank you again, Gábor!)

      I thought, that I should search some pages about kurucs (kurucok - in hungarian plural) because my english and memory is not to good... :)

      So I found some very good page about Imre Thököly (the kuruc king) and his wife Ilona Zrínyi and of course about Ferenc Rákóczi II.

      O, and you have to read about Vak Bottyán (Bottyán the Blind) the great kuruc general, and László (Leslie) Ocskay the kuruc colonel who become a traitor and labanc at end of the independence war of Rákóczi through a beautiful labanc spy woman. We have a very good book about this story by Mór Jókai: "Szeretve mind a vérpadig" (I'm trying it translate: To be loved forever until scaffold). Colonel László Ocskay were executed by sword in castle of Érsekújvár on Christmas Eve at
      1710. His lover, the labanc spy woman went crazy, because she had a letter from the emperor, and an offer in this letter: kuruc officer hostige for Ocskay. But she was late, and she saw just the head of her lover on the top of the highest tower of Érsekújvár. It was the kuruc's vengeance!

      When kuruc leaders heard, that Ocskay became traitor, a small kuruc team went into Vienna in labanc clothes, into the lair of the lion, and kidnapped him for judgement.

      It's a good story, isn't? We hungarians have very long and intresting history! :)

      So, here are the webpages:

      Thököly Imre and Zrínyi Ilona in english:
      http://www.hungarian-history.hu/lib/hunspir/hsp27.htm

      Ferenc Rákóczi II. in english:
      http://www.hungarian-history.hu/lib/hunspir/hsp28.htm

      About kuruc's weapon:
      http://groups.msn.com/20ArpadVezerCscs/kurucok.msnw

      You can see on the top of the page a stamp with a kuruc vs. labanc battle. The text on the stamp: HUNGARIAN POST- Unknown painter: Kuruc - labanc battle (part). I remember that this picture theres was in my history book in the elementary school. The kuruc soldiers used an ancient hungarian weapon: fokos. It is a small axe like the indian tomahawk but it's pole is longer because they were horseman.

      Again Rákóczi's and Thököly's history, and the famous picture from the young Ferenc Rákóczi II. by Ádám Mákonyi in 1711.
      http://hungaria.org/hal/hungary/index.php?halid=14&menuid=237

      The famous music: Rákóczi's march by Berlioz in 1845 (in an old hungarian film):
      http://www.mozaik.info.hu/mozaweb/himnusz/Film/rakoczi.mpg

      A very old picture from 1906, when Rakoczi's coffin arrived to Budapest:
      http://kincsestar.radio.hu/kulon/rakoczi1x.htm

      A page in english language about hungarian fine art. You can see the famoust historical painting, about kuruc soldier too:
      http://www.hung-art.hu/index-e.html

  • Áranka Kurucz Jäckel , Germany -2005

    • " I just searched for any further information about my family name - my name is Áranka Kurucz - and I am glad to have found your page. I try to get further information from my father, who was born in Hamburg but also his father (born 1896) and whole family came from Hungary and I remember my grandpa saying: "Never forget to be proud to be a Kurucz! You have a long history!" I know, there were several discussions with brothers and cousins - still living in hungary, but they all were born in CENICA in the former "Slowakai". Even my family - since long before the 2nd world war living in Budapest - is using the different Kuruc and KURUCZ. But they definately have the same parents!"

  • Greg Mikolas, Canada - 2005 (grandson of Paul Kurucz)

    • "My name is Greg Mikolas and I hail (originally) from the Esterhazy area of Saskatchewan. I stumbled upon your web site when I did a search for "Paul Kurucz", however, the Paul I was searching for was my Grandfather, Steve Kurucz's brother, killed in action, WWII.

      I know little of GrandDad's family as they were located in Alberta and BC for the most part. The purpose of this note is born from curiosity I suppose, as my wife and I are currently operating/building a large genealogy web site and I do plan on researching the Kurucz ancestors and lineage at some time in the none too distant future.

      The short line on GrandDad's family - Steve and Anne Kurucz
      Joanne (daughter)
      Germaine (daughter)"

  • Greg Caroots (Kurucz), USA - 2005

    • "I am hungarian. For some reason my grandpa had the spelling of our name changed to caroots! its Kurucz whats so hard about that. I need to get it changed back. How can I do that? My name is Greg Caroots or Kurucz."

  • Gene Kurtz, USA - 2005


    • Gene's message continues to confirm my theory that the Kurucz name has been changed over the years for many reasons. Many Kurucz's are researching their family trees. If you think you may be able to connect to Gene's tree, please contact me (Paul Kurucz) and I will forward your message on to Gene.
    • "...I was born in Perth Amboy NJ and grew up with the name Kurtz. However, when I went into the service, my birth certificate reglected my name as "Kuruc". The midwife left off the Z. I had my name officially change, in the service, to Kurtz. My grandfather was named Stephen Kurucz who came from Hungary....My grandfather had two boys named Eugene and Ladeslau (don't know if that is spelled right) However, he died at a very young age. He was a twin. Two girls were also born to him. They were named Bertha (After her mother) and Barbara Anne after her grandmaother. My Aunt Bertha is still living in Culver City Ca. She is 91 years old. Anne died a few years ago..."

  • Monica Kurutz-Kosinar, USA - 2006

    • "I found your website on the Kurucz interesting since I come from a Line of Kurucz, Kuruc and my father's name changed to Kurutz...."
    • Monica has "a recent history from Michael Sura who has done research for me finding relatives for me in Brezina and relatives, I'm told in Kocise, Slovakia." She shared this very interesting document with me (thank you, Monica!) and may wish to share it with you. Please contact me (Paul Kurucz) and I will forward your email request on to Monica. If you think you may be related to Monica or anyone else listed here (including me!), please let me know and I will get you in touch with the person(s).

  • Andrew Kurutz, USA - 2006

    • "I'm Andrew Stephen Kurutz, the brother of Monica Kurutz-Kosinar who contacted you with a lot of her own genealogical research, which she has passed on to me as well. We have 3 spellings floating about in our family. My step-grandmother who married my father's father, spells it Kuruc. My father's mother I believe, had the name changed to Kurutz. My father's uncles spelled it Kurucz and one of them told me I should change it back to Kurucz, but my mother objected saying Kurutz is my father's name and I should keep it. Many if not most of my relatives still live in Slovakia. My mother was born in Bratislava and her father (name, Pottfay) was Hungarian.

      I live in Chicago.

      Thank you for the interesting info from all your correspondents with the same names. I don't feel as obscure after all! I am gladly open to corresponding with others."


  • Jacqueline Ann Kuruc, Canada - 2006


    • "I don't really know where to start with this, but was wondering if you would have any kind of contacts out there, that might lead me somewhere. My maiden name is Jackie Kuruc. I know nothing of my family history. All that I know is that my father: John Michael Kuruc: born October 22, 1932, came over (to Canada) from Hungary with his father, when he was a young boy. He always told us that he had only sisters in his family, no other boys. He was estranged from us for many years....(that is why no info)...and he passed away in 1996, aged 63. I believe that his father passed away in the province of Ontario, around 1960.... as far as my mother knows. I am looking for anything to go on. I believe that I am named after my father's mother, my full name being, Jacqueline Ann Kuruc, and I believe her name to be Anna. My grandfathers name could also be John or Michael. Any info would be greatly appreciated."


  • Connie Bishop, USA - 2006 (looking for information on relations of Maryana Kurucz)

    • "...My granddaughter has an ancestress by the name of Maryana Kurucz born in 1891 in Budapest, Hungary. She immigrated to the US in 1905 according to family records...although census gives 1912 and 1914. She married Joseph Walentich (later changed to Valentic) from Govejipolji, Yugoslavia. They divorced in 1930 and she remarried Frank Master. They lived in Ottawa Co Ohio . Mary died in 1966 probably in the same county. I would be interested in learning more about her family. Thanks..."

      If you think you may be related to Maryana Kurucz please let me (Paul Kurucz) know and I will get you in touch with Connie Bishop.

  • Adrian Kurucz, Romania - 2007


    • "My name is Adrian Kurucz. I am born and living in Romania , Otelu Rosu city, my father (Gavril Kurucz) was born in Hungary near Balaton lake. We are 3 family in this area of Romania all kindred after my grandfather.I heard the first story about Kurucz clan from my parents and it is the same whith the story about the horseman on your homepage.Im proud of my name and my origin."

  • David Kurucz, Czech Republic - 2007

    • "Hi everyone there my name is David Kurucz and i from Czech republic....My father is Vincenc Kurucz and he also from Czech republic but nationaliti Slovakia and my GrandFather was Vincent Kurucz he was born may 17 1925 i know is was county NOVE ZAMKY city Tardosked or Taidosked..So i dont know is this help,but is nice to conect with some body..I m living now in Florida but soon i will move back to Europe Czech republic... I m proud to be Kurucz because my grand father was hardwork and very nice person.... David Kurucz"

  • Robert Kurucz, Czech Republic - 2007

    • "My name is Robert Kurucz (21), like my father and grandpa too. Our familly live in Ostrava in Czech Republic.

      ( http://www.ostravainfo.cz/index.php?akce=guide&mid=40&id=23&lang=2 )

      Grandpa and grandma came from Hungary and Slovakia border after WWII. I write more, if I find more info (I must ask for more :)

      So, I´m very glad that I find your web !"

  • "Bunny" Kurucz, USA - 2007

    • "My maternal grandmother was Mary Kurucz.. she was born in Lupeni, Romania, on March 12,1895. Her father was Nicholas Kurucz and her mother was Anna Postak.

      I have no concrete information of her in Romania. I would like to make a connection with someone.....

      Thank you in advance for any help...."

  • Darren Kurucz, Canada - 2007

    • Darren is seeking any information on the coat of arms for the Kurucz family and what the individual symbols on it mean.

  • Michael Churilla, USA - 2007 & 2008

    • "My Kurucz family came from what is currently Niedzica Zamok, (Poland http://www.pieniny.sk/ciele/niedzica/en.html) .At the time my great grandparents came to the USA in 1900 they spoke Slovak. Niedzica was part of the Austria Hungary Empire. They were ruled by the Hungarians. After the break up of the empire Poland got this section of the territory who people were considered Slovaks. The Kurucz family lived in the small village near the castle of Niedzica. The people were the workers at the castle. My great grandfather Ignatius was the carriage driver for the baron, his wife was a cook, and others were the servants. The castle of Niedzica has been restored by the Polish government and can be visited. I believe the z at the end of the name was added by the Hungarian language. In Slovakia the name is Kuruc. There are Kuruc who live in Matiasovce, Slovakia. Which is about 2 KM away from Niedzica, Poland.

      Michal Kurucz married Anna Bogaczyk. They had seven children: Jakub, Angnieska, Ignatius, John, Michael, Paul and Andrew.
      The members of my Kurucz family immigrated to Abrams, Wisconson and Pittsburgh, PA areas.

      From: Michael Churilla - son of Helen Smetana Churilla, she is daughter of Anna Kurucz Smetana, she is daughter of Ignatius Kurucz and Maria Macsurak."

    • Addition: May 2008:

      Origin of the KURUCZ family name:

      A TALK WITH THE GUIDE AT THE NIEDZICA CASTLE - FRANTISEK SEDLAK

      "Several times the castle was captured by the Hungarians. One of the camps - Jan Zizka's camp - had been here for three years. The camp was renamed - a camp TABORE. The up rising of the partakers of various rebellions began about 1670. Perhaps they are the descents of the Kuruc family. Tököly's Kurucs they were named. And the family is really named after them. They were very able-bodied men. They captured the castle several times. It was a very difficult task to capture it because there was some trenches with water around the castle."
      "Old people say the Kuruc family name came from the rebellions of Tököly's uprising in the 17th century. It was about 1670. Some of the rebels (known as the Kurucs) stayed here. They were very big and strong men. "

      The second reference: A History of the Habsburg Empire 1526-1918 by Robert A Kann, page 73. a general revolutionary peasant force, the Kurucok, emerged from these actions and remained at least as guerillas in being for a generation.
      "Kurucok'(1) -Yet a general revolutionary peasant force 1620 - 1720 led by Imre Thokoly a noble from Upper Hungary." (1) The name derives either from the Latin curx (cross), the peasant revolting in the name of the cross, or from the turkish word Khurudsch (the rebel) "
      page 121
      The rising of the Kurucoks under the leadership of Francis Rakoczy II culminating in the revolutionary Hungarian - Transylvanian diet of Onod of 1707 led to defeat in the peace of Szatmar of 1711, spelling disaster for the cause of unfree peasants in reconquered Hungary and Transylvania

      Michael Churilla

  • Mark Kurucz, USA - 2007 -----> HELP FROM OTHER KURUCZ's REQUEST! <------

    • Very interesting and informative Kurucz family website. I am hoping someone in your family line might be able to offer some assistance in identifying a FHC microfilm containing birth records.

      Stefan (Istvan) Kurucz, single, age 28, a farmer, last residence Kisoroszi, Hungary (not Kis Zrosz as indicated) arrived at Ellis Island on March 12, 1905, through Bremen, Germany on the S.S. Brandenburg.

      Stefan is listed on line 5 of the ship manifest beneath our grandparents who were from the same village, and all three listed Victor Levay in New York City as their local contact. We feel fairly confident this is Kisoroszi, Pest County and not Kisorosz, Torontal County from details contained in our grandmother's naturalization records.

      I did not locate any of them on the FHC microfilm 0613075 for Kisoroszi, Pest County. Films 0613188 and 0613189 for Visegrad include a few Kurucz families but Istvan was not born into any of those. His family could have been affiliated with a different Roman Catholic parish in the surrounding area. If anyone has located his birth record circa 1877, I would appreciate knowing the microfilm number because our grandmother (Josephine/Josepha Aberle b-1875) might be included on that same film.

      It is possible Stefan later lived in Genesee County, Le Roy Township, according to the 1910 census where he is listed as Steven Kuruc, age 32, single and a lodger. HeritageQuest reference Series T624, Roll 951, Page 261, Sheet 17B, Line 71

      FYI, I recall seeing the Kurucz surname on numerous films from Komarom County between Bokod, Tolna, Tarjan and into Nyerges-Ujfalu.

      Thanks for any assistance you might be able to offer.
      Mark in Tampa, Florida

      ~~~

      From a new message, January 2008:

      In the event you are compiling a database of Hungarian village names where Kurucz activity has been identified, I can confirm a presence in Kis Oroszi, Pest County primarily in the mid- to late-1870's, a sizable population in Tarjan/Tarian, Komarom County and a very large family in Tardos, Komarom County dating back to the mid-1750's and up through 1895. I am currently researching Tarjan and Tardos.

      The surname spelling varies in Tardos from Kurucz to Kurutz, I am attaching a couple sample birth and marriage records from that area. The name Belik was also spelled Bilik and Urban was spelled Orban in the 1700's. I remember my mother telling how difficult it was to read and decipher correspondence from the writing style of the time.

      Birth Certificate       | Marriage Certificate 1 | Marriage Certificate 2 | Marriage Certificate 3


      (Thank you, Mark!)

      ~~~

      NOTE: Please email Paul Kurucz using the link at the bottom of the page if you can help Mark and your email will be forwarded to him. This extra step is to protect Mark's email from spammers.

  • Yuri Balega, Russian Federation, 2007

    • I hope you continue to follow the history and connections of Kurucz family.

    My name is Yuri Balega (54). I am a director of the Special Astrophysical Observatory
    of the Russian Academy of Sciences, which is located in the mountains of Caucasus,
    Russian Federation. The observatory operates two largest Russian astronomical
    telescopes - the Bolshoi Azimuth Telescope (BTA) with a mirror of 6 m diameter and
    the 600 m radio telescope RATAN-600.

    My mother's family name is Kurucz, and I feel more Kurucz than others. My wife is
    Ildiko Holovacs from Hungary. I was born near the town of Munkacs, which is known
    as one of the principle regions of the Kurucz liberation movement. The castle of Mukacs
    was the residence of famous Ilona Zrinyi, the wife of Imre Thokoly. This territory belongs
    today to the Transcarpathian region of Ukraine. In the past it was for centuries the
    Hungarian territory.

    Gabor Lukacs from Hungary gave the correct history of kurucz name on your web-site.
    Most of researcher support the origin of this name as Kreuz [kroits], which means "cross"
    in Germain.

    The kurucz(s) are known as hot-temper and fearless people.
    Most of the migration of kurucz(s) to the western world happend in the beginning of the
    20th century.

    I send you the photo of my Kurucz family made in 1933. My grandfather Yuri and my
    grandmother Maria are in the center. They are surrounded by their children including my
    mother Barbara, who was only 4 years old at that time. Note the difference in age between
    the oldest son Vasily (28) and the youngest Ilko (only 3 years old). At that time women
    could give birth to children during 25 years or more.

    Note: Photo is available upon request (permission to post it online has been requested from Yuri) Please email Paul Kurucz, using the link below, to receive the photo.

  • Gabriella Kurucz, Hungary, 2007

    Gabriella sent her family tree, full of Kurucz links for others to check out. There are so many that I would be surprised if you could not link your family to hers! Gabriella Kurucz family tree (Microsoft PowerPoint format - right-click to save it and open it. Use the free Microsoft PowerPoint viewer to see the file if you don't own Microsoft Office)

    Thank you, Gabriella!

  • Emmile Kurucz, 2007

    I'm Emmile. i was looking at the website to see if i could find anything about myself. and i was very interested about getting a tattoo of an emblem on me.. but i didn't know what to get. so i wanted to see if there was a Kurucz one. and yeah.. i really like it. and i didnt know there was so much about my last name. i am kinda interested to hear more.

  • Dawn Brown, Canada, 2007 & 2008 update

    Hi My name is Dawn and this is my family tree.

    My Grandmother was Mary Teresa Kurucz one of 9 children she was the D.O. Vincent Kurucz born
    1869 in Ormezo Szabolcesmegye Hungry His wife was Magdaline Sikora Born June 16 1884 in Szabolcesmegye Hungry. Vincent was one of 3 Michael , Barbra, and Vincent C.O. Michael Kurucz I have no birth date or his wife's name or dates as yet.

    My grandmothers 8 sibling were and still are My Great aunty Helen is still alive.
    starting oldest to youngest
    Margaret, Steve,Paul, Anne,Elizabeth,Helen,Mary,Jim,Frank.

    Margaret married Paul McDonald
    Steve married Ann My MOM thinks
    Paul died in WW2 My mom thinks
    Ann married but she does not recall his name
    Elizabeth married a RCMP
    Mary married John Alex McLaren he was Metis
    Helen Married Elmer Josphe Lorranger
    Jim Married Ann
    Frank married But again my mom does not recall

    And as far as the rest goes it is unclear at this time.
    Thanks for your time and any info you wish to pass on

    I forgot to mention that My Grandmothers family settled in Esterhazey Sask.
    And in 1891 Vincent and Magdaline were living in Broadview Dist Saskatchewan.

    2008 update:

    I wrote you back some time ago in 2007 about my moms family tree the Kurucz from Hungary
    her moms brother that she thought died in WW11 . He did died in France in 1944 on Aug 10th
    His name was Paul Peter Kurucz
    Born On April 28 1912
    service Number M/55980
    Force: Army
    Unit: Royal Canadian Artillery
    Division: 5th Anti Tank
    Rank: Gunner
    Burried in : Breeterville-sur-Laize Calvados France Canada war cementary

  • Josh Kurucz, USA, 2008

    I was reading up on your website & I found out something really intresting. I found that there is a Micael Churilla listed from the USA. Its really funny to me cause this Michael Churilla is no relation to me as far as I know. But I do have a cousin whos name is Michael Churilla son of Michele Churilla (maiden name Kurucz) from Munhall,PA. I thought that this is intresting because what are the chances of this????? LOL Small world I guess! Anyhow I will fill you in as much as I know about my family that I know of. My dads name is Lawrence a.k.a. "Dinky" and he was the son of Rudolph Kurucz also had 3 girls Donna,Debbie,& Denise who are my dads half sisters. Rudy was in the United States Air Force in th 1940`s to 1960`s that dealt with Sabre Jets he died in 7/19/1964 in Kansas on an Schilling Air force Base. Rudy had 2 Brothers Edward & Michael. Also Had 2 sisters Mary & Rose. Rudolph`s dads name was Michael & his mothers name was Rose. I really dont know too much before Rudy`s parents. They all resided in the Pittsburgh area & pretty much every male in my family has worked for United States Steel Corp. as far as I know.We were all "Mill Hunkies" refering to our Hungarian heritage. I just wanted to fill you in on a little bit of history that I know of. If anyone else out there knows of my family here in the pittsburgh area feel free to e-mail me

    (please email Paul Kurucz using the link below for Josh's email).

  • Mark Kuruc, USA, 2008

    I just came across your website and I felt that I should drop you an email. My name is Mark Kuruc, my father is Paul Kuruc, and his father is Paul Kuruc (Deceased). I am 26 years old and I live in Ohio.

    My grandmothers family is “Rozsa”. I know that they have strong Hungarian roots. I however do not know much about them. I don’t have much to say. I am just letting you know that we are out here.

    Thanks!

    Mark A. Kuruc

  • Dragan Kurucic, Serbia, 2008

    HI my name is Dragan Kurucic I have ic because I live in Serbia. My grandmother told me story that we are from Ukraine (Russia). Kuruc is title (Sir, in England) they were wariors and kill many people. Later they must go from their land because the was corse from church. Sorry for my english

  • Nicholas T Kurucz, USA, 2008


    Thomas Paul Kurucz
    Father was Nicholas Kurucz
    Brother was Charles Kurucz

    My name is Nicholas Kurucz, I am Thomas’ son… just wanted to say hi. My father and uncle are from Buffalo, NY where my grandfather Nicholas worked at the Ford Motor plant for years…

    [Nick adds some more information shared by his father:]

    My Grandfather.....Joseph Kurucz (Born Hungary) he married Mary Smerkovsky (Russian). Immigrated to the United States at age nine locating in Cleveland, Ohio. Moved to Kapsovar County, Saskatchewan, Canada. A colony (small town) south of Esterhazy, CA. Married and moved to farm in Bakersfield, Vermont where my dad (real Boppy) was born. relocated to Elmira, New York where they farmed and railroaded. Moved to Buffalo, New York and worked at Fetters air-conditioning. That job was followed by twenty-five years as a section crewman on the New York Central railroad. Joseph Sr., had a brother or two whereabouts unknown. All were Hungarian and Russian immigrants Boppy's (Nicholas') brothers and sisters, Joseph Jr., John, Michael, Alice, Louis, Mary, Rose, and George with two early deaths of others I think? Gramma Kurucz is Ruth Marie Westphal, who had a brother Gene and their parents were Edward August Westphal and Edna Gertrude Brown. German and French respectively.

  • Julius (Gyula) Kuruc, USA, 2008


    My name is Julius Kuruc and I live in USA/California.
    It's nice to know, how many Kuruc's families are spread around the world. Note that My last name is spelled with out "z". I was born in Slovakia, where they "removed" the "z"?!

  • Marek Kuruc, Slowakia, Lucenec, 2008

  • Gábor Lukács - Pécs Hungary - New information in 2008! See Gábor's generous sharing of his research, above. Thank you again, Gábor for this wonderful information!


    In the hungarian language we have 44 sound, but when we arrived to Carpatian Basin had to use the latin alphabet. In latin alphabet are little number of character for hungarian sounds.

    Hungarian alphabet:

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hungarian_alphabet

    The first hungarian king (Saint Stephen r. 997-1038) destroyed every ancient hungarian writing, and made some law, and must use the latin alphabet. It wasn't problem for some centuries, because we used the latin language in official place. But 500 years ago - like other nations - we started to use our native language in letters.

    For many hungarian sounds they couldn't find good alternative in latin alphabet. So tried to use some characters for the good hungarian sounds.

    The hungarian "c" isn't same the english "c", but similar the "ts" in the word: tsunami.
    The ancient hungarian knew this problem, so make some version of the solution: kurucz, kurutz.

    During the centuries clear out every sound writing rules, but not in the XVII. century. Present day we write kuruc, and say kuruc. 300 years ago we wrote kurucz or kurutz and say kuruc.

    Other example: Your father name was Ferenc Kurucz. One hundred years ago Ferenc was Ferencz...

    Here you can read about the language:

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hungarian_language

    The writing rules changed during the centuries, but the names didn't. They wrote Kurucz in 1751? So we write same in present day!

    Don't forget, that kurucz and kurutz were made for latin language, and isn't english! The english "cz" sound in "czeh" word same the hungarian "cs" in cseh (czeh) but don't similar the hungarian "c". I don't know, you use the "tz" in english language? We used it for 400 years.

    Kuruce, kurucen, kurtz I don't know these words, they aren't hungarian.

    Some fact about kuruc coat of arms, flags, motto etc.

    Kuruc's coat of arms never exist, because in the early XVIII. century, every second hungarian were kuruc, the other part was labanc... :) It was a civil war. One party wanted a foreign king because they to be feared that turkish army come back and we need the german help, the other party wanted hungarian king because they thought that the Habsburg king betrayed us!

    Every hungarian count, baron, warlord, nobleman were coat of arms from the former centruies. Which one is the real kuruc coat of arm?

    Here you can see the list of kuruc generals:

    http://hu.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kuruc_t%C3%A1bornokok_list%C3%A1ja

    and the list of kuruc colonels (we have a special word for kuruc colonel: brigadéros):

    http://hu.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kuruc_brigad%C3%A9rosok_list%C3%A1ja

    I would say that choose the Rákóczi family coat of arms. This famous, and most powerful dynasty gave 4 prince to Transylvania in XVI. and XVII. century, so they coat of arms build from Transylvania coat of arms. Here is the coat of arms II. György (George) Rákóczi, Ferenc's grandfather, prince of Transylvania:

    http://hu.wikibooks.org/wiki/K%C3%A9p:George_Rakoczi.PNG

    Here is the coat of arms of Transylvania, and princes of Transylvania:

    http://hu.wikibooks.org/wiki/Erd%C3%A9ly_c%C3%ADmere

    The star and the half moon symbol of the siculi (I didn't find this name in english dictionary, this is the latin form, they were hungarian group in Transylvania, they joined to us in the ancient age, they are maybe hun, today speak hungarian), the 7 keep or tower is symbol of the german-saxon (they came to Hungary in the early XIII. century, the 7 keep is similar the 5 viking castle in England) and the black eagle is symbol of the hungarians.

    So the Rákóczi's coat of arms: a black eagle with sword on a wheel.

    The other famous "kuruc" coat of arms is belong to Tarpa village. It located in north-east Hungary. There was a poor man, Tamás (Thomas) Esze (it's meaning smarty) who got this villages for his duty in 1708: (english version)

    http://www.tarpa.extra.hu/home/Home_Allink.php?allink_id=28

    Kuruc flags. It's easy, here are (front and back):

    http://www.geocities.com/zaszlok/hazateres/zaszlok/hu-kuru1.jpg

    http://www.geocities.com/zaszlok/hazateres/zaszlok/hu-kuru2.jpg

    The kuruc motto was: CUM DEI PRO PATRIE AT LIBERTATE (latin) it's meaning: By god for home (country) and freedom.

    We, hungarians came from near of the Ural mountains, not from western China. Hungarians are white man (caucasian), and not mongolian or something else. Never see other hungarians face, just european. Until they don't start to speak I don't know he is german, english, russian etc. The most hungarians have brown hair and brown eyes. Of course we had long way to here, so met huns, scythian, kazar, besenyo (I don't know english name), kun, some slavic and turkish nation, german etc. Hungarian people mostly mixed from them. The hungarians girls are beautiful about this reason... :)

    Here is the history of the langauge:

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_the_Hungarian_language

    and history of the Hungary:

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Hungary

    I hope this letter will help you understand some kuruc's things... :)

    As Yuri Balega said, the kuruc are known as hot-temper, fearless people. An kuruc attack was extremly fast, and brave. After the kuruc war, the Habsburg kings tried to assimilate the hungarians to the german (austrian) nation. In 1784. the king II. Jozef made a law: everybody have to speak in german. Of course the wave of indignation led to, that everybody started to looking for grandfather's kuruc uniform, and speak just hungarian. It was the birthday of the hungarian nationalism. After this time, the people had to say kuruc for an nationalism hungarian.

  • Paulo J. Toekoely, Russian Federation, 2008

    Nice to meet all of of you with the help of the internet !!! ---maybe we should introduce an interactive platform ?---

    My grand-grand-grand.......................father was imre toekoely, or thoekoely written in hungarian language, duke and later king of transsilvania, upper hungary and today's slovakia.one of the leaders of the kurucz rebels as you all know. The family rested in the then-border region of kezmarok (former hungary), german kaesmark, and kosice (today slovakia). They were still noblemen until 1945, possessing huge areas, some castles etc. Unfortunately, the red army entered in 1945. So they had to disappear.


    My father joszef toekoely, born 1928, emigrated to germany, arriving there in 1948 only. Became german some years later. He passed away in 2005 at the age of 77.


    I was born at stuttgart / germany in 1955, and 'took the other direction', emigrated first to brazil and in 2005 --- to russia where i'm busy with industrial connections between the eu and germany.---


    Would be very nice to hear more from you, wherever you are...........

  • Larry Kuruc, USA, 2008


    My name is Larry Kuruc and I live in Ft. Myers Florida. I'm 48 years old and have 2 brothers and 2 sisters plus numerous cousins mostly in Pa. My grandfather and granmother came to America in 1906 from what is now Slovakia. They met and married here in Vandergrift,Pa. My cousin Tom has done research on the family and has made a trip to Europe and has actually found relatives in Slovakia. From what I can gather from my grandparents marriage certificate, my grandfather is from Czirokabela which is close to the Poland border. His father whose name was Thomas was from Lehnice Szepes in Slovakia. My grandfather's name on the boat registration is Kurucz but his marriage certificate says Kuruc. For the longest time we felt we were the only family with the Kuruc-Kurucz name so imagine my surprise at all the people on the website named Kuruc name as well. I am really fascinated with the history of the Kuruc rebellion and would be interested if you have more information about it or where I could find it elsewhere. I would also like to know if you know any other Kurucs from the regions I mentioned above. If you need more info I can contact my cousin for it. I look forward to hearing from you or any other Kurucs out there.

  • James Ronald Kurucz, Canada, 2008


    My name is James Ronald Kurucz, living in Lockport,New York,USA, a suburb of Buffalo,NY. I've done a bit of family tree history and some may be in error, but here's what I've found. James Ronald Kurucz and William Joseph Kurucz , sons of Michael Kurucz . Michael James Kurucz, (1907-1981) , my father, born in Esterhazy,Sk. was the son of Joseph Kurucz (1866-1967) , and Mary Smerekovsky( 1884- ? ) and Joseph Kurucz was the son of Michael L. Kurucz (1834-1927) and Mary Lengel.
    My grandfather Joseph emigrated from Hungary , possibly through the U.S. but settled in Esterhazy,SK , and he had brothers Steven and Vincent.Some of this following may be in error and Helen Loranger may be able to correct some of it as I sent her a copy of the family tree I came up with but here goes:

    Michael L. Kurucz -born 1834 in Vissoly Abiytorna Hungary ,emigrated to Canada in 1886,homesteaded a quarter section 4 miles west of Kaposvar church,sent for 4 children and wife came with children,Joseph,Vincent , Barbara but 1 girl deceased. Michael L died 1927,buried in Kaposvar cemetery.His son Joseph,my grandfather,born Oct 28, 1866, Vissoly Abiytorna Hungary and died Nov 23,1967 in Buffalo,NY.My father,Michael James Kurucz born in Stockholm,SK Nov 6 ,1907 had brothers Joseph, Nicholas Charles Kurucz, Louis Peter Kurucz,Jack Kurucz, George Francis Thomas Kurucz,and sisters Rose Kurucz and Mary Kurucz.

    Michael L Kurucz 1834-1927}
    Mary Lengel } Joseph Kurucz 1866-1967 } Michael James Kurucz 1907-1981

    Mary Smerekovsky 1884-? } Joseph Kurucz 1902-1952
    Nicholas Charles Kurucz
    Louis Peter Kurucz
    Jack Kurucz
    Mary Kurucz
    Rose Kurucz
    George Francis Thomas Kurucz

    For Nicholas T Kurucz,your grandfather was my uncle and I remember Christmas at my grandfathers when we were kids and Uncle Nick and Aunt Ruth came with Chuck and Tom. Might have an old picture somewhere. Last time any of us got together was when Jay Jackson passed away.He was married to Ann Kurucz Jackson and she was Uncle Joe's daughter.Joe and Nick were brothers to my dad, Mike, so Chuck and Tom and Ann were my first cousins .

    For Dawn Brown, I email your aunt Helen all the time and this might be of some small help:

    Michael L Kurucz 1834-1927 (same as in above) )
    Mary Lengel } Vincent Kurucz } Frank Kurucz (1902-
    Magdellene (Magdaline ?) Sikora } Steve Kurucz (1902-
    Jim Kurucz (1906
    Mary Kurucz(1908-
    Anne Kurucz (1910-
    Margaret Kurucz (1916
    Paul Kurucz (1912-
    Elizabeth Kurucz
    Helen Kurucz(1922-
    John Kurucz1926-1936
    Joseph Kurucz(1920
    from above same Steve Kurucz:

    Steve Kurucz (1902} Joanne Kurucz ( 1937-
    Anne ?? } Bernard Rychlo

    } Germaine Kurucz
    Bernie Miklos

    My further info may have some errors but this is what I have:Children of Vincent Kurucz and Magdellene Sikora: Frank Kurucz had 4 chikdren, oldest child died of M.S.

    Steve Kurucz b. 12/29/1902
    Jim kurucz b. May15,1906-- died of heart attack date unknown
    Anne Kurucz b. 10/15/1910 address box 125, Esterhazy,SK SOA OXO
    Margaret Kurucz b. 3/05/ 1016 , 3 children ,died of cancer
    Paul Kurucz , b. 4/28/1912 killed overseas in WW2
    Elizabeth Kurucz ,2 children, still living as of 12/20/01
    Helen Kurucz Loranger apt 204 ,1188 Parkgate Ave,North Vancouver,BC V7H 3A4
    John Kurucz b.8/20/1926 , d. 1/05/1936
    Joseph Kurucz b. 1/18/1920
    JamesKurucz@aol.com

    My personal info: James Ronald Kurucz , born 11/15/1941 in Buffalo, NY. U.S.Navy 1959-1962 , Torpedoman's Mate 2nd onboard USS Gainard DD706, 2 tours 6th fleet, Persian Gulf, retired teamster truck driver, single, never married, brother William, married, has 4 sons.

    What information on the Kurucz family I have been able to get I owe mostly to my Uncle George's widow Elizabeth ( Betty (Hegedus) ) Kurucz and some possibly faulty memories . Also Sister Bernarda from the Sisters of Social Service sent me a book " Three Generations" The Hungarian Colony At Stockholm,Saskatchewan Canada.

    Addendum: December 2008:

    I overlooked something and I think but can't verify that I received it from one of my Canadian relatives , but there was some reference to a Paul Kurucz having died in WW 2. My information is that there was a Gunner Paul P. Kurucz , age unknown , Gunner, 5 Anti Tank Regiment , Royal Canadian Artillery, died Aug.10th,1944 , burial Bretteville-Sur-Laize , Canadian War Cemetery, Caen, France , Plot V11, F.6.

    Thought this might be of interest and should not be forgotten or lost.

  • Peter Kurucz, Nove Zamky, Slovakia, December 2008

    My name is Peter Kurucz and I am from Nove Zamky, Slovakia.

    I always tought that our name is related to Kuruc army...

    check this

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kuruc

    Peter

  • Frantisek Kurucz, near Nove Zamky, Slovakia, January 2009


    My name is Frantisek Kurucz and I living in Slovakia 20 km form Nove Zamky . My father is Kurucz and my grand fater was Kurucz and his fater was Kurucz. But I dont know nothik about the war . Thanks for information obout ours name.

    Kurucz František
    00421 903719968
    Kuruc Company spol.s.r.o.
    Nitrianska 59
    Šurany – Slovakia

    www.kuruc.sk
    www.tetrak.sk

  • Julius Kurucz, South Africa, February 2009

    Came across a website on the internet this past weekend and found your e-mail address. As you can see I’m a Kurucz as well, which is from my Father, who emigrated round about 1958 / 1959 with his wife and 2 sons. It was just him and his brother, Attila, who came across to South Africa. My father was born in 1937 in a Southern Town called Gyor.

    From stories he’s told their “Original” name was Matosek, but then took the Kurucz surname also because of the expected intergration of that particular region being incorporated into the old Czechoslovakia.

  • Dörthe Heidenreich, Germany, March 2009

    [Unfortunately, I don't speak German well enough to translate and reply to this email]

    Ich bin richtig glücklich, den Namen Kurucz mal „gegoogelt“ zu haben. Ich möchte der Liste Der Kurucz-Familie hiermit ergänzen.

    Mein Vater, Frantisek Kurucz wurde in Budapest als 12. Kind geboren. Er musste die Familie aus „Kostengründen“ verlassen. Als halbes Kind ging er nach Berlin, um Musik zu studieren.

    Auch sein Bruder Lacy verließ Ungarn, um letztendlich in Hamburg eine „Kapelle“ als Geiger zu gründen. Dieser Kapelle folgte Frantisek Kurucz als Cymbalom-Spieler. Als es Streitereien in der Kapelle gab, machte sich mein Vater Frantisek Kurucz als Solist auf dem Cymbalom selbstständig. Mit großem Erfolg. Er füllte in ganz Europa große Hallen und hatte großen Erfolg.

    Sein Leben bestand ganzjährig aus Tourneen mit Katarina Valente, Heinz Erhardt, Erich Kästner und viele andere damalige noch nicht „Größen“.

    Mein Vater war damals bis zum heutigen Tag der größte Cymbalom-Künstler aller Zeiten. Er hat die klassische Musik mit einem einzigen Instrument beherrscht.

    Er lebte für seine Musik. Ich habe noch Schallplatten von ihm. Und sein geliebtes Instrument gibt es auch noch. Wenn es jemanden gibt, der Interesse daran zeigt, bitte melden! Ich habe ein altes Cymbalom zu vergeben. Leider ist er verstorben. Zu seiner großen Verwandtschaft in Ungarn ist seit seinem Tod leider jeder Kontakt abgebrochen.

    Das war mein Beitrag aus Hamburg/Deutschland zu dem Namen Kurucz, den meine Mutter immer noch trägt.

    - Dörthe Heidenreich

  • June Kuruc, USA, April 2009

    My name is June and my grandfather was Vincent Kuruc and he lived in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania until he died around 1964. I have been looking for information on him for a while and was wondering if you could help. He was married to Dolores Wasmuth Kuruc and they had one child, my mother Joan Dolores Kuruc. He had a sister who we called aunt Anna but I dont know anything about her either. My mother passed away so ive been seaching the net. Anything would help. Thanks, June.

    (please email Paul Kurucz using the link below for June's email address if you can help her with her search)

  • Arpád Kurucz , April 2009

    [Unfortunately, I don't speak Hungarian and can't translate or reply to this communication]

    A nevem KURUCZ Árpád Szlovákiaban élek 52 éves vagyok
    . Tudok Szlovakul beszélni ,magyarul
    Szeretnék tobet tudni a kurucz nevrol. Orulok hogy megtalaltam az
    Interneten eztaz oldalt.
    Viszontlátásra Arpád Kurucz

  • Madeline Stanley, August 2009

    My great-grandmother Juliana Kurucz was born in 1851. Her father, my g-g-grandfather, was Johann Kurucz born in 1816. Both were born in Javorina, Galicia, which was then part of Austria-Hungary, but is now in Slovakia.

    My nephew Tom Zahn, a genealogist living in Prague, gathered this information from the Roman Catholic register of births for the parish Vidernik. A second source was the Hungarian census of 1869. Both sources were available in the State Regional Archive in Levoca. Tom also went to the Roman Catholic church in Jurgov, Poland where he found a record of the birth of Juliana Kurucz. It gave the names of her parents as Jan Kurucz and Zuzanna Kurucz, nee Novobilska. (We weren't surprised that "Jan" was also "Johann". Names in Eastern Europe had a variety of spellings.

    Tom Zahn has said, "Javorina was in a region inhabited by a mixture of Protestant German colonists, ethnic Slavs from Ukraine and Poland, and isolated pockets of smaller Lemko, Rusyn, and Jewish settlements. To locate it on a map, trace a line between Poprad in Slovakia to Krakow in Poland." Javorina and Jurgov are now on opposite sides of the border between Slovakia and Poland.

    Enjoyed the site. Thank you for all the information.

  • Hazel Batalides (nee Kurucz), South Africa, August 2009

    My name is Hazel Batalides (nee Kurucz). My dad Miklos Kurucz is 72 and I am trying, in vain, to find family of his in Hungary. He left Hungary at the age of 18 and I would think it important he try and contact family in his old age. Do you have any advice / tips for me - I seem to get no luck on the 'Tudakozo' directory site. I can give you some information about where he's from, that's all..

    He received a letter in about the 80's with this address listed on the envelope : Gyuler Kurucz, 9024 Gyor, Zrinyi utca, Hungary.

    My dad seems to remember this address of his father Gyorgy Kurucz : Ka'lva'ria Utca-18, Na'dorva'ros, Gyor. His mother's name is Matilda. One of his cousins is named Czaba Keszey.

    (note: Hazel's contact email address "bounced" when I replied to her contact, so unfortunately as of the writing of this I have no way of contacting Hazel. - Paul)


  • Dawn Brown, Canada, September 2009

    Regarding My Great Uncle Paul Peter Kurucz who died on August 10th 1944.

    Service Number m/55980, age: 32, force: Army, unit: Royal Canadian Artillery, Division: 5th Anti Tank regt.
    date of birth april 28 1912

    commemorated on page 356 of the Second World War Book of Remembrance.
    There is a digital photo of great Uncle Paul
    if you go to Veterans affairs Canada http://www.vac-acc.gc.ca

    he is buried in Bretteville-Sur-Laze Canadian War Cemetery

    My mom (Delma McLaren) very much misses her uncle she speaks of him often. The very cool thing is the photo
    shown on the web page is the same photo my mom has of him . He gave her just before he left to go overseas.
    I am trying to find more information On Mary Kurucz... Pauls sister and her Husband John Alex Mclaren.

Any other Kurucz's out there on the Internet? Please e-mail me a "Hello!" message!

"Kurutz" - the same name as Kurucz?

Maria Ryan of the UK emailed me in August 2004 wondering about the history of the "Kurutz" name as she was about to marry one. I don't know the origin of the Kurutz name. It might be original, but I think it might possibly be a phonetic spelling of "Kurucz" or copying error. I have also seen a "Mary Caroots" (really!) who had her Hungarian name documented this way. Here is a 'Caroots' who contacted me:

"I am hungarian. For some reason my grandpa had the spelling of our name changed to caroots! its Kurucz whats so hard about that. I need to get it changed back. How can I do that? My name is Greg Caroots or Kurucz." (December 2005)

Phonetic spelling: When Kurucz's emigrated to other parts of the world, many of them had incomplete papers or no papers at all. So travel papers were written by Red Cross officials, or immigration folks. These folks asked the Hungarian their name and they said "curutz" (phonetically). Native English speakers might have written: Kurutz. And as the vast majority of Hungarians wouldn't have spoken English, they might not have noticed immediately that their name had been spelled differently for the legal papers of their new home land.

Copying error: Handwritten "c"'s might have been written as a T, especially when the transcriber - the immigration official writing up the landed immigrant papers - asked for clarification and heard "curutz" verbally.

Anyone know anything more about the "Kurutz" name? Is it a different name or a variant of "Kurucz"? Please email me if you know. Thanks!

Useful "Kurucz" and related names links:

Kurucz, Kurutz, Kuruc, etc. seem to all be variants of the same foundation name. Here are some links to useful sites to do more tracing of genealogy and the history of the Kurucz clan:

E-mail me:

 

The Kurucz name

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