Hankiss

Hankiss (pronounced "Hahn-keesh") is a Hungarian surname. It is most commonly associated with two prominent Hungarian intellectuals and academics:

• Elemér Hankiss (1928-2015): A sociologist, literary historian, and philosopher. He was a significant figure in Hungarian intellectual life, particularly during the communist era and the transition to democracy. He authored numerous influential books and articles on topics such as societal values, existentialism, the crisis of modernity, and the nature of post-communist societies. He served as the President of Hungarian Television (Magyar Televízió) from 1990 to 1993.

• Ágnes Hankiss (1950-2021): A cultural theorist, professor, and politician. She was a member of the European Parliament (MEP) from 2009 to 2014, representing the Fidesz party. Her academic work focused on cultural identity, memory, and the challenges of globalization. She also engaged in public discourse on issues related to Hungarian national identity and European integration. She was the daughter of Elemér Hankiss.

The name "Hankiss" itself doesn't have a widely known or easily traceable etymological origin in the Hungarian language or historical records. It's likely a surname with a less common or localized derivation. Further research into Hungarian genealogical databases or historical linguistics might be needed to definitively establish its origin.