Kiraly
Origins
The surname Kiraly is predominately found in communities across Hungary. Origins include the Slavonic word of the late 1600s meaning 'king.' http://www.surnamedb.com/Surname/Kiraly. It is also a middle high German word, used as a term of endearment, for curly headed individuals. http://www.houseofnames.com/kiraly-family-crest
Refined
The surname was redefined by Stacia Falat and Dominic Volonnino, both who took on the Kiraly surname at their wedding on July 9, 2011. In choosing a new surname the couple aimed to identify two virtues that they strive to uphold, as well as give as a charge to their future children. They chose two virtues: kindness and social justice. Since both Stacia and Dominic are Irish, they sought Gaelic translations for these two virtues.
The Gaelic translation for kindness is Cineáltas or Kinnaltah (the Anglicanized spelling), which embodies tenderness and concern for others, goodness, and charitable behavior.
Social justice refers to creating a society or institution that is based on the principles of equality and solidarity, and that recognizes the basic human rights and dignity of every person. The closest Irish translation to this concept is Grástúil or graciousness, which embodies compassion, sympathy, understanding, and being humane and merciful.
The couple combined Kinnaltah and Grastuil to come up with part of their new surname...KIRA. Finding they needed more letters, they also borrowed the "LY" sound in their name from the name Heile, a tribute to Stacia's grandparents, Bernie and Stasy Heile, who celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on April 14, 2011. The Heile family's lifelong love and commitment is a testament to the strength of their marriage, and reminds Stacia and Dominic to honor, respect, and celebrate each other, and to nurture the love between them throughout their lives. The combined name became KIRALY.
The Community
Small pockets of Kiraly families exist around the world, primarily in Hungary, but most in the United States are found in Alexandria, Virginia.
Notable Kiralyisms
This is a list of commonly used expressions from Kiraly family members.
- "What's the joke here?"
- "Please have this delicious pineapple...I insist."
- "What would George Washington do?"
The Kiraly (Dance)
The Kiraly Dance emerged in the club scene in the greater Washington D.C. area in late 2011. The dance is known for its free-flow movements of the lower body complemented by rigid control of both arms which remain at the side of the individual. The Kiraly is predominantly accompanied by [electronic], [techno], or [trance music].