Romanian surnames carry rich histories, reflecting occupations, ancestral roots, and even personality traits.
Whether derived from nature, professions, or personal characteristics, these names tell fascinating stories about Romania’s culture and heritage.
Below, we’ve categorized 90 common Romanian last names along with their meanings and origins.
Occupational Surnames
These surnames stem from traditional jobs and trades.
- Popa – Means “priest” (from the Orthodox Church).
- Ciobanu – Derived from “cioban” (shepherd).
- Fieraru – Means “blacksmith.”
- Croitoru – Comes from “croitor” (tailor).
- Pescaru – Means “fisherman.”
- Moraru – Refers to a “miller.”
- Băcan – Means “butcher” or “grocer.”
- Rotaru – Derived from “rotar” (wheelwright).
- Dogaru – Means “locksmith.”
- Cărpinar – Means “carpenter.”
- Cizmaru – Refers to a “shoemaker.”
- Văcaru – Means “cowherd.”
- Păcurar – Means “shepherd” (specifically for sheep).
- Brasoveanu – Indicates someone from Brașov, possibly a merchant.
- Tănase – Derived from the name “Atanasie,” but often linked to clergy.
Patronymic & Ancestral Surnames
These names often indicate lineage or a father’s first name.
- Ionescu – “Son of Ion” (John).
- Popescu – “Son of the priest.”
- Georgescu – “Son of Gheorghe” (George).
- Constantinescu – “Son of Constantin.”
- Dumitrescu – “Son of Dumitru” (Demeter).
- Stanescu – “Son of Stan.”
- Radulescu – “Son of Radu.”
- Florescu – “Son of Florin.”
- Nicolau – “Son of Nicolae.”
- Mihailescu – “Son of Mihai.”
- Vasilescu – “Son of Vasile.”
- Andreescu – “Son of Andrei.”
- Marinescu – “Son of Marin.”
- Tudorescu – “Son of Tudor.”
- Bădescu – “Son of Băduț.”
Nature-Inspired Surnames
Many Romanian surnames are tied to the natural world.
- Munteanu – Means “from the mountains.”
- Pădureanu – Means “from the forest.”
- Dumbravă – Refers to an “oak forest.”
- Codreanu – Means “from the woods.”
- Lupu – Means “wolf.”
- Ursu – Means “bear.”
- Vulpe – Means “fox.”
- Pârvu – Means “small river.”
- Brânză – Means “cheese,” possibly for dairy farmers.
- Bălan – Means “blonde” or “fair-haired.”
- Negru – Means “black,” possibly referring to hair color.
- Roșu – Means “red.”
- Verde – Means “green.”
- Albu – Means “white.”
- Zăpadă – Means “snow.”
Descriptive & Nickname-Based Surnames
These names often describe physical traits or personalities.
- Mareș – Means “marshal” or “great one.”
- Voicu – Derived from “voic” (brave, strong).
- Dascălu – Means “teacher” or “wise one.”
- Chirilă – Derived from “chir” (lord or master).
- Drăgan – Means “beloved” or “dear.”
- Dragomir – Means “precious peace.”
- Tănase – Means “immortal.”
- Bogdan – Means “given by God.”
- Miron – Means “peaceful.”
- Sârbu – Refers to someone from Serbia or with dark features.
- Grosu – Means “large” or “big.”
- Micu – Means “small.”
- Lungu – Means “long” (possibly tall).
- Scurtu – Means “short.”
- Bătrân – Means “old” or “wise elder.”
Regional & Ethnic-Based Surnames
These names indicate geographical origins or ethnic ties.
- Olteanu – From Oltenia region.
- Moldovan – From Moldova region.
- Ardelean – From Transylvania (Ardeal).
- Muntenu – From Muntenia region.
- Dobrin – From Dobrogea region.
- Ungureanu – Means “Hungarian” or from Hungary.
- Rus – Means “Russian.”
- Nemțu – Means “German.”
- Grecu – Means “Greek.”
- Turcu – Means “Turk.”
Historical & Noble Surnames
These names often have aristocratic or historical significance.
- Cantacuzino – A noble Byzantine family name.
- Basarab – Ancient Wallachian ruling dynasty.
- Movilă – A Moldavian ruling family.
- Sturdza – A princely family in Moldavia.
- Brâncoveanu – Associated with Constantin Brâncoveanu, a Wallachian prince.
- Cuza – Linked to Alexandru Ioan Cuza, Romania’s first ruler.
- Rosetti – A noble family of Italian origin.
- Ghica – A Phanariot family that ruled Romania.
- Bibescu – A Wallachian noble family.
- Știrbei – A princely family.
Unique & Less Common Surnames
These names have interesting or rare origins.
- Bucur – Means “joy,” possibly linked to Bucharest’s legend.
- Dorobanțu – Means “frontier guard” or “soldier.”
- Florea – Means “flower” or “blooming.”
- Hanganu – Possibly derived from “hang” (slope).
- Jderu – Means “marten” (a small animal).
- Lacătuș – Means “padlock,” possibly for a locksmith.
- Oprea – Means “help” or “aid.”
- Pătru – Derived from “Petru” (Peter).
- Țepeș – Means “impaler,” famously linked to Vlad the Impaler.
- Zamfir – Means “sapphire,” possibly indicating rarity.
Final Thoughts
Romanian surnames are a window into the country’s history, traditions, and natural beauty. Whether tied to a profession, a physical trait, or a region, each name carries a unique story.
Do you recognize any of these surnames in your family tree? Let us know in the comments!