Újkenéz is a village in Szabolcs-Szatmár-Bereg county, in the Northern Great Plain region of eastern Hungary. It is situated in the northeastern part of the country, close to the border with Ukraine and the Tisza River.
The village covers an area of approximately 39.54 square kilometers (15.27 sq mi). As of recent censuses, its population is typically around 2,000 residents. The local economy is primarily agricultural, reflecting the region's fertile land.
Etymology: The name Újkenéz is derived from two Hungarian words:
- "Új," meaning "new."
- "Kenéz," which historically referred to a village headman, judge, or a local noble in medieval Hungary and Wallachia, particularly among communities of Vlach (Romanian) origin, or it can also be a Hungarian surname. The name therefore translates literally to "New Kenéz," suggesting either a new settlement founded by or associated with a person bearing the title or name Kenéz, or a newer settlement compared to an older one also associated with a "Kenéz."
History: The area around Újkenéz has been inhabited for centuries, with its history tied to the broader historical developments of the Kingdom of Hungary. Like many settlements in the region, its development was influenced by its proximity to important trade routes and the shifting borders and conflicts of Central and Eastern Europe. Specific historical records pertaining to the early establishment of Újkenéz itself are often found in local county archives, detailing land ownership, taxation, and population shifts over time.