Last Names in Romania: A Comprehensive Guide

Romania has a rich cultural heritage that is reflected in its last names, or surnames. These names are often derived from various sources such as occupations, places of origin, physical characteristics, and even patronymics. This comprehensive guide delves into the fascinating world of Romanian last names, offering insights into their meanings and origins. Explore the diverse tapestry of surnames that have shaped Romanian identity and culture.
1. **Popescu**: This is the most common last name in Romania, meaning "son of Pop", a popular given name.
2. **Ionescu**: Another prevalent surname, it means "son of Ion" or "son of John."
3. **Georgescu**: Derived from the name "George," this surname signifies "son of George."
4. **Constantinescu**: A surname with origins in the name "Constantine," it means "son of Constantine."
5. **Dumitrescu**: This surname, meaning "son of Dumitru," is a variation of the name "Dimitri."
6. **Radu**: A common name and surname in Romania, it means "joyful" or "happy."
7. **Marinescu**: Derived from the word "marină," meaning "sea," this surname likely signifies someone connected to the sea.
8. **Vasilescu**: This surname means "son of Vasile," a popular given name meaning "strong" or "firm."
9. **Nicolae**: This name and surname means "victor of the people."
10. **Petrescu**: Meaning "son of Petru" (Peter), this surname is quite prevalent in Romania.
11. **Antonescu**: Derived from the name "Anton," it means "invaluable" or "priceless."
12. **Mihai**: A name and surname meaning "who is like God," it has a biblical origin.
13. **Munteanu**: This surname means "mountain dweller," indicating someone from a mountainous region.
14. **Ilie**: This name and surname means "Jehovah is God."
15. **Florea**: Meaning "flower," this surname is associated with beauty and prosperity.
16. **Anghel**: A name and surname derived from the word "angel," it signifies divine messenger.
17. **Gheorghe**: This name and surname means "farmer" or "husbandman."
18. **Chiriță**: This surname is derived from the name "Chiril" or "Cyril," meaning "lord."
19. **Tănase**: This surname means "immortal" or "everlasting."
20. **Grigore**: This name and surname means "vigilant" or "watchful."
21. **Andrei**: Meaning "manly" or "brave," this name and surname is of Greek origin.
22. **Ion**: This name and surname means "God is merciful."
23. **Costin**: This surname means "constant" or "steadfast."
24. **Ciprian**: This name and surname means "Cypriot" or "from Cyprus."
25. **Serban**: This surname means "servant" or "follower."
26. **Dan**: A name and surname meaning "God is my judge."
27. **Alexandru**: This name and surname means "defender of mankind."
28. **Cristian**: This name and surname means "follower of Christ."
29. **Dragomir**: This surname means "dear to the people" or "loved by the people."
30. **Stan**: This surname means "stone" or "rock," signifying strength and resilience.
31. **Călin**: A name and surname meaning "calm" or "peaceful."
32. **Dorin**: This surname means "gift" or "present."
33. **Stoica**: This surname means "standing firm" or "unyielding."
34. **Neagu**: This surname means "young" or "youthful."
35. **Constantin**: This name and surname means "constant" or "steadfast."
36. **Dumitru**: This name and surname means "dedicated to the mother goddess."
37. **Mircea**: This name and surname means "peace" or "tranquility."
38. **Petre**: This name and surname means "stone" or "rock," signifying strength.
39. **Sorin**: This name and surname means "protected by God."
40. **Gheorghe**: This name and surname means "farmer" or "husbandman."
41. **Vasile**: This name and surname means "strong" or "firm."
42. **Adrian**: This name and surname means "dark" or "black."
43. **Liviu**: This name and surname means "life" or "living."
44. **Laurențiu**: This name and surname means "laurel" or "wreath."
45. **Victor**: This name and surname means "conqueror" or "victorious."
46. **Cristian**: This name and surname means "follower of Christ."
47. **Andrei**: This name and surname means "manly" or "brave."
48. **Marius**: This name and surname means "dedicated to Mars."
49. **Paul**: This name and surname means "small" or "humble."
50. **Claudiu**: This name and surname means "lame" or "crippled."