The person who sold us our bus tickets at the Budapest airport was named Zoltan, and I thought it was the coolest name ever. I love how the name sounds when I say it out loud: “Zoltan.” Everyone with that name should automatically grow up to be a magician.
Curious, I decided to do a quick internet search to see what people named Zoltan do for a living. Here is a short list of famous Zoltans in the world, most of whom happen to be from Hungary.
Zoltán Kocsis: (30 May 1952 – 6 November 2016) was a Hungarian virtuoso pianist, conductor, and composer. American critic Harold C. Schonberg praised Kocsis’ extraordinary technique and fine piano tone. According to Grove Music Online, he had “an impressive technique, and his forthright, strongly rhythmic playing is nevertheless deeply felt and never mechanical. Kocsis has a natural affinity for Bach but is also a fine exponent of contemporary music.”
Zoltán Kodály: (16 December 1882 – 6 March 1967) was a Hungarian composer, ethnomusicologist, teacher, linguist, and philosopher. He is well known internationally as the creator of the Kodály Method. The Kodály method is a music education approach that emphasizes singing and cultural experiences through song-based learning, utilizing folk and classical music to teach fundamental musical concepts. It fosters a positive learning environment and intentional sequencing to develop skills progressively, ultimately aiming to cultivate a deep appreciation for music through collaborative experiences.
Zoltan Korda: (June 3, 1895 – October 13, 1961) was a Hungarian-born motion picture screenwriter, director and producer. He made his first film in Hungary in 1918, and worked with his brother Alexander Korda on film-making there and in London. They both moved to the United States in 1940 to Hollywood and the American film industry. Here is a montage of forgotten Hollywood films by Zoltan Korda:
Zoltan Bathory: I guessed correctly that this guy is a musician. He is a Hungarian-born American musician and martial artist, founder and rhythm guitarist of the heavy metal band Five Finger Death Punch. In 2010, he was named “Best Shredder” by Metal Hammer magazine.
oh, and he lives in this monstrosity.
Zoltan Istvan: according to CNET: “Zoltan Istvan, a leader of the transhumanist movement to merge humans with technology, is challenging Trump with a plan for America that’s beyond radical”. omg. How did I not hear about this guy yet?? Reading his wikipedia page is like falling into a rabbit hole inside a rabbit hole. Transhumanism. I’m going to stop my Zoltan research here, for he is the most Zoltan of them all.
The list goes on. You can learn about some more Zoltans here.
My books Memory Road Trip (e-book, paperback) and Time Traveled (e-book, paperback) are both available! You can also find them at most major international book sites.
Krista Marson 