An Exploration of Romania’s Rich Ancestral Heritage
by Alex Jernigan
Updated: Oct. 6, 2021
Originally Published: June 28, 2021
While first names often steal the spotlight when it comes to baby naming, surnames hold significant stories of a person’s lineage. A surname is a powerful representation of one’s heritage and identity, which is why some women opt to retain their maiden names after marriage. If you’ve ever delved into the origins of your last name, you might be eager to learn more. Each culture has its own fascinating history and naming customs that can spark curiosity. For instance, have you ever wondered why Russian last names often follow a patronymic pattern, or how many diverse groups are reflected in Mexican surnames? Let’s take a look at Romanian last names, which have a captivating history and include several with Slavic roots. Many notable American figures, including writers, scientists, and celebrities, have Romanian ancestry. For example, Hollywood stars like Emma Thompson, Mila Kunis, and a certain superhero known for his role as the Winter Soldier, Sebastian Stan, who hails from Constanta, Romania.
These examples merely scratch the surface of Romania’s vast ancestral tapestry. Numerous Romanian surnames might be familiar to you, and even if they aren’t, exploring their meanings can be quite engaging. We’ve compiled a list of common Romanian last names along with their meanings; while this list is extensive, it could easily continue indefinitely. Each name bears a unique story and offers a deeper appreciation of your own surname, showcasing the rich heritage that shapes who you are.
Common Romanian Last Names
- Albescu – Meaning: White.
- Albu – Meaning: White (from the word “alb”).
- Aldea – Meaning: Village.
- Andrei – Meaning: Romanian variant of Andrew.
- Ardelean – Meaning: Referring to Transylvania.
- Baciu – Meaning: Shepherd.
- Balan – Meaning: Blonde; also a town in Romania.
- Barbaneagra – Meaning: Black beard.
- Barbu – Meaning: Bushy beard.
- Bogdan – Meaning: Gift from God.
- Botezatu – Meaning: Baptized.
- Bucur – Meaning: Happiness or joy.
- Camelia – Meaning: A type of flower.
- Cazacu – Meaning: Someone living by the Cazacu river.
- Cel Tradat – Meaning: The betrayed one.
- Ciobanu – Meaning: Occupational name for a shepherd.
- Codrin – Meaning: The woods.
- Cojocaru – Meaning: Sheepskin.
- Craioveanue – Meaning: From the city of Craiova.
- Creţu – Meaning: Curly.
- Cristian – Meaning: The Romanian word for Christian.
- Dalca – Meaning: Lightning.
- Darius – Meaning: Possessing goodness.
- Dascălu – Meaning: Teacher or schoolmaster.
- Erner – Meaning: Serbian.
- Fieraru – Meaning: Smith, an occupational name for blacksmiths, goldsmiths, etc.
- Fischer – Meaning: Fisherman (in German).
- Floarea – Meaning: Flower.
- Funar – Meaning: Ropemaker.
- Grigorescu – Meaning: Son of Grigore.
- Gheata – Meaning: Ice.
- Grosu – Meaning: Thick or coarse.
- Hatmanu – Meaning: General (an occupational last name).
- Hofer – Meaning: Steward.
- Iliescu – Meaning: Son of Ilie.
- Ionescu – Meaning: Son of Ion.
- Iordanescu – Meaning: “Jordan’s son.”
- Ioveanu – Meaning: Son of Ivan.
- Laurentiu – Meaning: From Laurentum.
- Lazarescu – Meaning: Son of Lazar.
- Luca – Meaning: Luke.
- Luminița – Meaning: Light or faint light.
- Lupu – Meaning: Wolf.
- Maier/Mayer – Meaning: Farmer.
- Marcu – Meaning: Marcus.
- Matei – Meaning: Matthew or gift.
- Mitrea – Meaning: Administrator.
- Muller – Meaning: Miller.
- Nectaria – Meaning: Nectar.
- Net – Meaning: Superior.
- Nicolae/Niculaie – Meaning: Nicholas or victory of the people.
- Nicolescu – Meaning: Son of Nicolae.
- Olarescu – Meaning: Son of Olaru.
- Popa – Meaning: Priest or pastor.
- Pichler – Meaning: People living near a hill.
- Radu – Meaning: Happy.
- Roşu – Meaning: Red.
- Sandu – Meaning: Defender of humanity.
- Sebastian – A common surname; also a saint’s name meaning venerable.
- Stefan – Meaning: Stephen.
- Suta – Meaning: Left-handed.
- Tarniceriu – Meaning: Saddler.
- Ungureanu – Meaning: Hungarian.
- Vaduva – Meaning: Widow.
- Vulpe – Meaning: Fox.
- Weber – Meaning: Weaver, of German origin.
- Zamfir – Meaning: Sapphire, a jeweler’s name.
- Zugravescu – Meaning: To portray or depict.
Romanian Vampire Last Names
Did you know Dracula originates from Transylvania? Here are some surnames that could belong to him! If you seek a Romanian last name with a mystical vibe, consider these vampire-inspired options:
- Acheron – Meaning: River of woe or sorrow.
- Ambrosia – Meaning: Immortal.
- Aldonold – Meaning: Friend.
- Alnwick – Meaning: Dairy farm.
- Arnold – Meaning: Eagle.
- Athanasia – Meaning: Immortal.
- Bancroft – Meaning: Dweller by the bean field.
- Bathory – Meaning: “Son of.”
- Celeste – Meaning: Heavenly.
- Crimson – Meaning: Dark red color.
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Summary
This article delves into the rich history of Romanian surnames, providing insights into their meanings and origins. With a variety of last names that reflect Romania’s diverse culture, readers can appreciate not only their own surnames but also the fascinating stories behind them.