Rákóczi

The House of Rákóczi (older spelling Rákóczy) was a Hungarian noble family in the Kingdom of Hungary between the 13th century and 18th century. Their name is also spelled Rákoci (in Slovakia), Rakoczi and Rakoczy in some foreign sources. The family was named after Rákóc (Rakovec, now Rakovec nad Ondavou, Slovakia).

The family originated from the Bogátradvány clan which had Bohemian roots, according to Simon of Kéza's chronicle. The foundations for the family's wealth and power were laid down by Sigismund Rákóczi; some decades into the 17th century, the Rákóczis became the wealthiest aristocrats of Hungary. Most famous was Francis II Rákóczi, who led an unsuccessful revolt against Habsburg rule between 1703-1711, that was Rákóczi's War of Independence.