He was born in Földeák, Csanád County into a Catholic family. The Návay family held important functions since expulsion of the Ottoman Empire (late-17th century). His parents were Lajos Návay Sr. and Ilona Eötvös, daughter of Baron József Eötvös. His paternal grandfather was Tamás Návay, Lord Lieutenant (Count; "comes") of Csanád County, parliamentary emissary and member of the House of Magnates.