Last Names in Romania: A Comprehensive Guide

Romania, a country steeped in history and culture, boasts a diverse array of last names. These surnames reflect the country's rich heritage, encompassing influences from Latin, Slavic, Hungarian, and Greek origins. Exploring these last names allows us to delve into the fascinating tapestry of Romanian ancestry and understand the unique stories behind each family lineage. This comprehensive guide provides an in-depth look at common Romanian last names, their meanings, and their historical significance.
1. **Popescu:** "son of Pop", a common Romanian patronymic surname derived from the popular given name "Pop."
2. **Ionescu:** "son of Ion," another widely spread patronymic surname based on the popular given name "Ion."
3. **Georgescu:** "son of Gheorghe," a patronymic surname referencing the popular name "Gheorghe," a Romanian variant of George.
4. **Constantinescu:** "son of Constantin," a patronymic surname stemming from the name "Constantin," a Romanian version of Constantine.
5. **Dumitrescu:** "son of Dumitru," a patronymic surname originating from the name "Dumitru," a Romanian form of Demetrius.
6. **Radu:** "joyful," a common Romanian surname meaning "joy" or "gladness," often associated with happiness and prosperity.
7. **Vasilescu:** "son of Vasile," a patronymic surname derived from the name "Vasile," a Romanian variant of Basil.
8. **Petrescu:** "son of Petru," a patronymic surname based on the name "Petru," the Romanian equivalent of Peter.
9. **Mihai:** "who is like God," a Romanian surname meaning "like God" or "who resembles God," often associated with strength and divine favor.
10. **Andrei:** "manly," a Romanian surname derived from the Greek name "Andreas," signifying "manly" or "courageous."
11. **Nicolae:** "victory of the people," a Romanian surname originating from the Greek name "Nikolaos," signifying "victory of the people."
12. **Marinescu:** "son of Marin," a patronymic surname based on the name "Marin," a Romanian form of Mariner.
13. **Ciprian:** "from Cyprus," a Romanian surname of Greek origin, meaning "from Cyprus," often referencing a family's historical ties to the island.
14. **Vlad:** "ruler," a common Romanian surname signifying "ruler" or "prince," often associated with leadership and authority.
15. **Stan:** "stone," a Romanian surname meaning "stone," possibly representing strength, stability, or endurance.
16. **Alexandrescu:** "son of Alexandru," a patronymic surname derived from the name "Alexandru," the Romanian version of Alexander.
17. **Gheorghe:** "farmer," a Romanian surname meaning "farmer," possibly indicating a family's historical occupation or connection to agriculture.
18. **Ion:** "God is merciful," a Romanian surname meaning "God is merciful" or "the Lord is gracious," often referencing religious faith.
19. **Cristian:** "follower of Christ," a Romanian surname meaning "follower of Christ," indicating a family's Christian faith and devotion.
20. **Cosmin:** "orderly," a Romanian surname meaning "orderly" or "well-ordered," often signifying discipline and organization.
21. **Dan:** "God is my judge," a Romanian surname meaning "God is my judge" or "God is my arbiter," often referencing religious faith and judgment.
22. **Cătălin:** "pure," a Romanian surname meaning "pure" or "unstained," often symbolizing purity, innocence, and virtue.
23. **Stefan:** "crown," a Romanian surname derived from the Greek name "Stephanos," signifying "crown," often associated with royalty and leadership.
24. **Marius:** "son of Mars," a Romanian surname of Latin origin, meaning "son of Mars," often referencing strength, courage, and warrior-like qualities.
25. **Dragomir:** "dear friend," a Romanian surname meaning "dear friend" or "beloved friend," signifying friendship, loyalty, and affection.
26. **Mihailescu:** "son of Mihail," a patronymic surname based on the name "Mihail," a Romanian form of Michael.
27. **Ioan:** "God is merciful," a Romanian surname meaning "God is merciful" or "the Lord is gracious," often referencing religious faith.
28. **Dumitru:** "devoted to Demeter," a Romanian surname of Greek origin, meaning "devoted to Demeter," often referencing agriculture and fertility.
29. **Nicu:** "victorious," a Romanian surname meaning "victorious" or "triumphant," often signifying achievement and success.
30. **Emil:** "rival," a Romanian surname derived from the Latin name "Aemilius," signifying "rival" or "competitor," often representing ambition and striving.
31. **Sorin:** "bright," a Romanian surname meaning "bright" or "shining," often signifying radiance, illumination, and joy.
32. **Adrian:** "from Hadria," a Romanian surname of Latin origin, meaning "from Hadria," often referencing a family's historical ties to the Adriatic region.
33. **Florin:** "flowering," a Romanian surname meaning "flowering" or "blossoming," often signifying growth, beauty, and prosperity.
34. **David:** "beloved," a Romanian surname derived from the Hebrew name "David," signifying "beloved" or "friend," often associated with love and companionship.
35. **Andrei:** "manly," a Romanian surname derived from the Greek name "Andreas," signifying "manly" or "courageous."
36. **Alexandru:** "defender of mankind," a Romanian surname derived from the Greek name "Alexandros," signifying "defender of mankind," often representing protection and leadership.
37. **Mircea:** "world peace," a Romanian surname meaning "world peace" or "universal peace," often referencing harmony and tranquility.
38. **Constantin:** "constant," a Romanian surname derived from the Latin name "Constantinus," signifying "constant" or "steadfast," often symbolizing stability and reliability.
39. **Liviu:** "life," a Romanian surname derived from the Latin name "Livius," signifying "life," often representing vitality, energy, and longevity.
40. **Octavian:** "eighth," a Romanian surname derived from the Latin name "Octavianus," signifying "eighth," often referencing a family's historical position or lineage.