75+ Romanian Surnames and Their Historical Origins

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An exploration of Romania’s rich heritage.

While first names often steal the spotlight in discussions about baby naming, a surname carries a deeper significance, revealing insights into one’s lineage and cultural background. This is one reason why many women opt to retain their surnames post-marriage. If you’ve ever researched your own last name, you might have uncovered intriguing details. Each culture boasts a unique history and naming customs, leading to questions like the patronymic nature of Russian surnames, the diverse roots of Mexican surnames, or the meanings behind popular Korean family names.

Take Romanian surnames, for instance. They showcase a captivating history, with many surnames rooted in Slavic origins. Did you know that several prominent American authors, scientists, and celebrities trace their ancestry back to Romania? Icons like Olivia Wilde, Emma Watson, and even the Marvel star, Anthony Mackie, have Romanian ties. The latter, known for his role as Falcon, has roots that connect back to this beautiful country.

These examples merely scratch the surface of Romania’s deep ancestral heritage. There’s a wealth of widely recognized Romanian surnames, and even if you’re unfamiliar with them, it’s enriching to learn about their meanings. We’ve compiled a list of some of the most common Romanian last names along with their definitions, showcasing the stories they hold. Each name contributes to the tapestry of identity, and understanding these origins adds value to your own surname.

Common Romanian Last Names

1. Albescu – Meaning: White.
2. Albu – Meaning: White (from “alb”).
3. Aldea – Meaning: Village.
4. Andrei – Meaning: Romanian version of Andrew.
5. Ardelean – Meaning: Relating to Transylvania.
6. Baciu – Meaning: Shepherd.
7. Balan – Meaning: Blonde; also a town name.
8. Barbaneagra – Meaning: Black beard.
9. Barbu – Meaning: Thick beard.
10. Bogdan – Meaning: God-given or gift of God.
11. Botezatu – Meaning: Baptized.
12. Bucur – Meaning: Happiness or joy.
13. Camelia – Meaning: A flower type.
14. Cazacu – Meaning: River dweller.
15. Cel Tradat – Meaning: The betrayed one.
16. Ciobanu – Meaning: Shepherd (occupation).
17. Codrin – Meaning: Woods.
18. Cojocaru – Meaning: Sheepskin.
19. Craioveanue – Meaning: From Craiova.
20. Creţu – Meaning: Curly.
21. Cristian – Meaning: Christian.
22. Dalca – Meaning: Lightning.
23. Darius – Meaning: Possessing goodness.
24. Dascălu – Meaning: Teacher.
25. Erner – Meaning: Serbian.
26. Fieraru – Meaning: Smith (blacksmith, etc.).
27. Fischer – Meaning: Fisherman (German).
28. Floarea – Meaning: Flower.
29. Funar – Meaning: Ropemaker.
30. Grigorescu – Meaning: Son of Grigore.
31. Gheata – Meaning: Ice.
32. Grosu – Meaning: Thick or coarse.
33. Hatmanu – Meaning: General (occupation).
34. Hofer – Meaning: Steward.
35. Iliescu – Meaning: Son of Ilie.
36. Ionescu – Meaning: Son of Ion.
37. Iordanescu – Meaning: Son of Jordan.
38. Ioveanu – Meaning: Son of Ivan.
39. Laurentiu – Meaning: From Laurentum.
40. Lazarescu – Meaning: Son of Lazar.
41. Luca – Meaning: Luke.
42. Luminița – Meaning: Light.
43. Lupu – Meaning: Wolf.
44. Maier/Mayer – Meaning: Farmer.
45. Marcu – Meaning: Marcus.
46. Matei – Meaning: Matthew or gift.
47. Mitrea – Meaning: Administrator.
48. Muller – Meaning: Miller.
49. Nectaria – Meaning: Nectar.
50. Net – Meaning: Superior.
51. Nicolae/Niculaie – Meaning: Nicholas or victory.
52. Nicolescu – Meaning: Son of Nicolae.
53. Olarescu – Meaning: Son of Olaru.
54. Popa – Meaning: Priest or pastor.
55. Pichler – Meaning: Hill dweller.
56. Radu – Meaning: Happy.
57. Roşu – Meaning: Red.
58. Sandu – Meaning: Defender of humanity.
59. Sebastian – Meaning: Venerable; also a famous saint.
60. Stefan – Meaning: Stephen.
61. Suta – Meaning: Left-handed.
62. Tarniceriu – Meaning: Saddler.
63. Ungureanu – Meaning: Hungarian.
64. Vaduva – Meaning: Widow.
65. Vulpe – Meaning: Fox.
66. Weber – Meaning: Weaver (German origin).
67. Zamfir – Meaning: Sapphire, a jeweler term.
68. Zugravescu – Meaning: To depict.

Romanian Vampire-Inspired Surnames

Did you know Dracula is rooted in Transylvania, Romania? Here are surnames that might suit a legendary figure like him:

1. Acheron – Meaning: River of sorrow.
2. Ambrosia – Meaning: Immortal.
3. Aldonold – Meaning: Friend.
4. Alnwick – Meaning: Dairy farm.
5. Arnold – Meaning: Eagle.
6. Athanasia – Meaning: Immortal.
7. Bancroft – Meaning: Dweller by the bean field.
8. Bathory – Meaning: “Son of.”
9. Celeste – Meaning: Heavenly.
10. Crimson – Meaning: Dark red.

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Summary

This exploration of Romanian surnames reveals a tapestry of cultural significance and historical roots. From the commonality of names to their unique meanings, these surnames tell stories of ancestry that enrich personal identity. Whether you recognize them or not, understanding these names deepens appreciation for one’s familial connections.