The name is derived from the Hungarian common noun kuruc meaning ‘supporter, soldier of the independence war from 1678 to 1685 led by Imre Thököly, or from 1703 to 1711 led by Ferencz Rákóczi against the Habsburgs’ (old spelling) and refers to an occupation or activity. It may also be derived from the Hungarian adjective kuruc meaning ‘tough, rebellious’ and refer to a characteristic feature. Variant: Kuruc.