About the family Bene?

Question

Does anybody know where this family who lived in Budapest (Hungary) comes from, and what the name means?

most probably it isn't Hungarian.

I know there is a Hungarian football player with this name but it isn't a Hungarian name.

My ancestor who's name was Katalin Bene changed her name in 1939 in Katalin Kovács.

Does anyone know why she could've changed her name?

thanks,

Recia.

Answer 1

There are many families with this name, and they come from all over Hungary and beyond.

In Hungarian, "Bene" is an old pet name for Benedek (Benedict), and as a surname, it's what's called an "unmarked patronymic": it means the original bearer's father was called Bene. This type of surname is quite common in all Hungarian-speaking areas.

As to why your ancestor might have changed her name, marriage comes to mind...