Szőke is a Hungarian surname meaning "blond, fair haired". It directly derives from the Hungarian adjective szőke ("blond"), which likely originates from an earlier onomatopoeic form related to light or brightness. As a descriptive surname, Szőke would have been applied to individuals with blond or fair hair, a common practice in Hungarian and other European naming traditions. The name is particularly common in Hungary — users of Forebears report significant numbers there. Like many Hungarian surnames, Szőke follows the typical pattern of descriptive names relating to physical appearance, distinguishing it from those derived from occupations or place names. According to genealogical records and census data, the name has no aristocratic connotations per se, but its widespread occurrence suggests it became hereditary among various social classes. Regional distribution data shows concentrations in central and eastern Hungary, though it appears nationwide. The name szőke itself is related to the word for blond in other Uralic languages (cf. Finnish vaalea for "fair"), but in Hungarian it remains a distinct lexical item. Notable bearers include individuals in sports, the arts, and academia. Historical references suggest the name has been in use since at least the 16th century. As a single-word surname without prefixes, it reflects a typical Hungarian onomastic structure. Its simplicity made it resistant to modification, and it is categorised among "attribute" or "nickname" surnames. Through emigration, Szőke also appears in diaspora communities, particularly in the United States, Canada, and Australia, often under the anglicised spelling Szoke.