Horváth is a Hungarian and Slovak surname, derived from the word horvát meaning "Croat" (a person from Croatia). It is a variant of the Croatian and Slovene surname Horvat, which comes from an older form of the noun Hrvat ("Croat"). The spelling with an accented á and final th is characteristic of Hungarian orthography. Distribution and Frequency Horváth is the second most common surname in Hungary (sometimes ranked fourth) and the most common surname in Slovakia, where it is typically borne by individuals of Hungarian ancestry. Members of the Horváth family are also found across the world, with significant numbers in the United States, as well as in other countries with Hungarian diaspora communities. Etymology and Variants The name originates from the ethnic designation for Croats. In Hungarian, horvát was historically spelled without the final h, leading to the surname Horvát; the modern form Horváth likely developed to align with orthographic norms. Related names include Horvat (Slovene), Horváthová (the Slovak feminine form), and Horvatinčić (a Croatian variant). Spelling variations such as Horvaty, Hrvat, and Orvath also exist. Notable Bearers Many individuals bear the surname Horváth or its variant Horvath (without an accent). Notable names include Aaron Horvath (born 1980), American animator; Ádám Horváth (born 1981), Hungarian chess grandmaster; Adrián Horváth (born 1987), Hungarian footballer; and Adrienn Horváth (fl. 21st c.), Hungarian athlete. The surname is also common among politicians, scientists, and artists. Cultural Significance As an ethnonymic surname, Horváth reflects the historical presence of a Croatian minority within Hungary and Slovakia, as well as interethnic relations in the Pannonian Basin. The name is a marker of Hungarian or Slovak-Hungarian identity, particularly in areas such as the southern regions of Slovakia and the central plains of Hungary. Meaning: Croat (person from Croatia) Origin: Hungarian, Slovak Type: Surname Usage Regions: Hungary, Slovakia, and Hungarian diaspora worldwide Related Forms: Horvat, Horváthová, Horvatinčić