The most common Romanian last name is Pop. This surname is derived from the word “popă,” which means “priest” in Romanian. It is believed that this surname was originally given to families with a priestly lineage or those who were closely associated with the Church. It is interesting to note that the surname Pop is also common in other Eastern European countries, such as Hungary and Slovakia.
Another common Romanian last name is Ionescu. This surname is derived from the given name Ion, which is the Romanian equivalent of John. The suffix “-escu” is a patronymic element used to indicate “son of.” Therefore, Ionescu means “son of Ion.” This surname is quite prevalent in Romania and is often found among families of Romanian origin.
One more common Romanian last name is Popescu. This surname is a combination of the aforementioned surnames Pop and Ionescu. It is derived from the word “popă” (priest) and the patronymic suffix “-escu” (son of). Popescu can be translated as “son of the priest” or “descendant of the priest.” This surname is widely found in Romania and is often associated with families that have a historical connection to the Church.
Other common Romanian last names include:
1. Popa: This surname is a variant of Pop and shares the same meaning. It is also derived from the word “popă” (priest).
2. Dumitru: This surname is derived from the given name Dumitru, which is the Romanian form of Demetrius. It is associated with families that have a historical connection to Saint Demetrius, who is considered the patron saint of Romania.
3. Stan: This surname is derived from the given name Stan, which is a short form of Constantin. It is often found among families with Byzantine or Greek origins.
4. Stoica: This surname is derived from the given name Stoica, which is a variant of Eustace. It is associated with families that have a historical connection to Saint Eustace.
5. Mihai: This surname is derived from the given name Mihai, which is the Romanian form of Michael. It is associated with families that have a historical connection to Saint Michael.
6. Radu: This surname is derived from the given name Radu, which means “joyful” or “happy” in Romanian. It is often found among families with historical connections to rulers or nobility.
7. Vasile: This surname is derived from the given name Vasile, which is the Romanian form of Basil. It is associated with families that have a historical connection to Saint Basil.
8. Barbulescu: This surname is derived from the word “barbule,” which means “moustache” in Romanian. It is often associated with families that have a distinctive physical trait, such as a prominent moustache.
9. Popovici: This surname is derived from the word “popă” (priest) and the patronymic suffix “-vici” (son of). It is similar in meaning to Popescu and is often found among families with a priestly lineage.
10. Bălan: This surname is derived from the word “bălăn” (ram) and is often associated with families that have a historical connection to shepherding or animal husbandry.
11. Nicolescu: This surname is derived from the given name Nicolae, which is the Romanian form of Nicholas. It is associated with families that have a historical connection to Saint Nicholas.
12. Andrei: This surname is derived from the given name Andrei, which is the Romanian form of Andrew. It is often found among families with Christian origins.
13. Marin: This surname is derived from the given name Marin, which means “of the sea” in Romanian. It is associated with families that have a historical connection to naval or maritime activities.
14. Gheorghe: This surname is derived from the given name Gheorghe, which is the Romanian form of George. It is associated with families that have a historical connection to Saint George.
15. Diaconu: This surname is derived from the word “diacon” (deacon) and the patronymic suffix “-u” (son of). It is often found among families with a clerical background.
16. Dumitrache: This surname is a diminutive form of the surname Dumitru and is often used to distinguish between individuals with the same last name.
17. Enache: This surname is derived from the given name Enache, which means “captive” or “prisoner” in Romanian. It is often associated with families that have a historical connection to captivity or imprisonment.
18. Iancu: This surname is derived from the given name Iancu, which is the Romanian form of John. It is often found among families with Christian origins.
19. Munteanu: This surname is derived from the word “munte” (mountain) and the patronymic suffix “-anu” (son of). It is often associated with families that have a historical connection to mountainous regions or activities.
20. Nistor: This surname is derived from the given name Nistor, which means “victory” in Romanian. It is often associated with families that have a historical connection to military or victorious events.
21. Păun: This surname is derived from the word “păun” (peacock) and is often associated with families that have a distinctive physical trait, such as colorful or flamboyant characteristics.
22. Popov: This surname is derived from the word “popă” (priest) and is often associated with families that have a priestly lineage or historical connection to the Church.
23. Stanescu: This surname is a variant of Stan and shares the same meaning. It is derived from the given name Stan, which is a short form of Constantin.
24. Tudor: This surname is derived from the given name Tudor, which is the Romanian form of Theodore. It is often associated with families that have a historical connection to rulers or nobility.
25. Voicu: This surname is derived from the given name Voicu, which means “voice” in Romanian. It is often associated with families that have a historical connection to music or vocal talents.
26. Zaharia: This surname is derived from the given name Zaharia, which is the Romanian form of Zechariah. It is associated with families that have a historical connection to biblical or religious figures.
27. Albu: This surname is derived from the word “alb” (white) and is often associated with families that have a distinctive physical trait, such as fair or white hair.
28. Barbu: This surname is derived from the given name Barbu, which means “bearded” in Romanian. It is often associated with families that have a distinctive physical trait, such as a prominent beard.
29. Bărbulescu: This surname is a variant of Barbulescu and shares the same meaning. It is derived from the word “barbule” (moustache).
30. Bârsan: This surname is derived from the word “bârsă” (ram) and is often associated with families that have a historical connection to shepherding or animal husbandry.
31. Botez: This surname is derived from the word “botez” (baptism) and is often associated with families that have a historical connection to religious or baptismal ceremonies.
32. Călinescu: This surname is derived from the word “căline” (dog rose) and is often associated with families that have a historical connection to the cultivation or appreciation of roses.
33. Ciobanu: This surname is derived from the word “cioban” (shepherd) and is often associated with families that have a historical connection to shepherding or animal husbandry.
34. Cojocaru: This surname is derived from the word “cojoc” (fur coat) and is often associated with families that have a historical connection to furriers or the fur trade.
35. Constantin: This surname is derived from the given name Constantin, which is the Romanian form of Constantine. It is often associated with families that have a historical connection to rulers or nobility.
36. Cornea: This surname is derived from the word “corne” (horn) and is often associated with families that have a historical connection to horn-making or related crafts.
37. Cosma: This surname is derived from the given name Cosma, which is the Romanian form of Cosmas. It is associated with families that have a historical connection to biblical or religious figures.
38. Crăciun: This surname is derived from the word “crăciun” (Christmas) and is often associated with families that have a historical connection to Christmas-related traditions or festivities.
39. Dobre: This surname is derived from the word “dobre” (good) and is often associated with families that have a positive or virtuous reputation.
40. Fărcășanu: This surname is derived from the word “fărcăș” (clown) and is often associated with families that have a historical connection to performing arts or entertainment.
41. Florescu: This surname is derived from the word “floare” (flower) and the patronymic suffix “-escu” (son of). It is often associated with families that have a historical connection to floristry or the cultivation of flowers.
42. Gavril: This surname is derived from the given name Gavril, which is the Romanian form of Gabriel. It is often associated with families that have a historical connection to biblical or religious figures.
43. Hagi: This surname is derived from the word “hagi” (saint) and is often associated with families that have a historical connection to religious or saintly individuals.
44. Iliescu: This surname is derived from the given name Ilie, which is the Romanian form of Elijah. It is associated with families that have a historical connection to biblical or religious figures.
45. Luca: This surname is derived from the given name Luca, which is the Romanian form of Luke. It is often associated with families that have a historical connection to biblical or religious figures.
46. Macovei: This surname is derived from the word “macovea” (poppy) and is often associated with families that have a historical connection to the cultivation or appreciation of poppies.
47. Mihăilescu: This surname is derived from the given name Mihai and the patronymic suffix “-escu” (son of). It is similar in meaning to Ionescu and is often found among families of Romanian origin.
48. Moldovan: This surname is derived from the word “moldovean” (Moldavian) and is often associated with families that have a historical connection to the region of Moldova in Romania.
49. Negrea: This surname is derived from the word “negru” (black) and is often associated with families that have a distinctive physical trait, such as dark or black hair.
50. Olaru: This surname is derived from the word “olar” (potter) and is often associated with families that have a historical connection to pottery or ceramics.
These are just a few examples of common Romanian last names, each with its own unique meaning and historical significance. The rich diversity of Romanian surnames reflects the country’s complex history, cultural influences, and traditions.