Romani Last Names: A Comprehensive Guide to Their Origins and Meanings

Romani surnames, also known as Romany last names, are a rich tapestry of history and culture. These names often reflect the nomadic lifestyle of the Romani people, their traditions, and their interactions with various communities throughout their journeys across Europe and beyond. This comprehensive guide will delve into the origins and meanings of over 40 Romani last names, offering a glimpse into the diverse cultural heritage of this fascinating group.
1. **Abram:** A variant of Abraham, meaning "father of many nations".
2. **Ackerman:** German origin, meaning "field man".
3. **Agassi:** Hebrew origin, meaning "gatherer".
4. **Alexandrescu:** Derived from Alexander, meaning "defender of mankind".
5. **Andreescu:** Derived from Andrew, meaning "manly" or "courageous".
6. **Anghel:** Romanian origin, meaning "angel".
7. **Apostol:** Romanian origin, meaning "apostle".
8. **Ardeleanu:** Originating from Transylvania (Romania), meaning "someone from Transylvania".
9. **Atanasiu:** Derived from Athanasius, meaning "immortal".
10. **Avram:** Romanian variant of Abraham, meaning "father of many nations".
11. **Barbu:** Romanian origin, meaning "bearded".
12. **Bărbulescu:** Diminutive form of Barbu, meaning "little bearded one".
13. **Bălaşa:** Romanian origin, meaning "white".
14. **Bejan:** Romanian origin, meaning "white".
15. **Bender:** German origin, meaning "one who lives by a bend in a river".
16. **Bicu:** Romanian origin, meaning "small".
17. **Bîrsan:** Romanian origin, meaning "one who comes from the Bârseaux Valley".
18. **Boeru:** Romanian origin, meaning "old".
19. **Boldea:** Romanian origin, meaning "brave".
20. **Borza:** Romanian origin, meaning "white".
21. **Budu:** Romanian origin, meaning "old".
22. **Călinescu:** Romanian origin, meaning "handsome".
23. **Călugărescu:** Romanian origin, meaning "one who comes from the monastery".
24. **Chiriac:** Romanian origin, meaning "Lord is my light".
25. **Constantinescu:** Derived from Constantine, meaning "constant" or "steadfast".
26. **Cristea:** Romanian origin, meaning "Christian".
27. **David:** Hebrew origin, meaning "beloved".
28. **Demeter:** Greek origin, meaning "mother of the earth".
29. **Dragomir:** Romanian origin, meaning "dear to the people".
30. **Dumitrescu:** Derived from Dumitru, meaning "defender of the people".
31. **Florea:** Romanian origin, meaning "flower".
32. **Georgescu:** Derived from George, meaning "farmer".
33. **Gheorghe:** Romanian variant of George, meaning "farmer".
34. **Ghiță:** Romanian origin, meaning "gift of God".
35. **Gligor:** Romanian origin, meaning "protector".
36. **Grigore:** Romanian variant of Gregory, meaning "watchful" or "alert".
37. **Ionescu:** Derived from Ion, meaning "dove".
38. **Ioan:** Romanian variant of John, meaning "God is gracious".
39. **Iordache:** Romanian origin, meaning "given by God".
40. **Iulian:** Romanian variant of Julian, meaning "youthful".
41. **Lazar:** Hebrew origin, meaning "God is my helper".
42. **Marin:** Romanian origin, meaning "marine" or "sea".
43. **Matei:** Romanian variant of Matthew, meaning "gift of God".
44. **Mihăilescu:** Derived from Mihail, meaning "who is like God?".
45. **Mircea:** Romanian origin, meaning "peace" or "ruler of the world".
46. **Moldoveanu:** Originating from Moldavia (Romania), meaning "someone from Moldavia".
47. **Niculescu:** Derived from Nicolae, meaning "victory of the people".
48. **Oprea:** Romanian origin, meaning "help".
49. **Petrescu:** Derived from Petru, meaning "stone".
50. **Popescu:** Derived from Pop, meaning "priest".
51. **Radu:** Romanian origin, meaning "joyful".
52. **Rădulescu:** Derived from Radu, meaning "joyful".
53. **Sandu:** Romanian origin, meaning "defender".
54. **Savu:** Romanian origin, meaning "God has heard".
55. **Șerban:** Romanian origin, meaning "servant".
56. **Simion:** Romanian variant of Simon, meaning "he who listens".
57. **Stan:** Romanian origin, meaning "stone".
58. **Stelian:** Romanian origin, meaning "star".
59. **Ştefan:** Romanian variant of Stephen, meaning "crown" or "wreath".
60. **Stoica:** Romanian origin, meaning "firm" or "strong".
61. **Tănase:** Romanian origin, meaning "immortal".
62. **Teodor:** Romanian variant of Theodore, meaning "gift of God".
63. **Tiberiu:** Romanian origin, meaning "son of the Tiber river".
64. **Toma:** Romanian variant of Thomas, meaning "twin".
65. **Traian:** Romanian origin, meaning "one who crosses".
66. **Vasile:** Romanian variant of Basil, meaning "king".
67. **Văleanu:** Romanian origin, meaning "someone from Valea".
68. **Victor:** Latin origin, meaning "conqueror".
69. **Vlad:** Romanian origin, meaning "ruler".
70. **Vrăjitor:** Romanian origin, meaning "sorcerer".