100 Cool Romanian Last Names

As developed, Romanian last names offer a glimpse of the various influences of diverse cultures, historical events, and language within Romania.

Besides names of Latin and Slavic origins, Romanian surnames reflect influences from Hungarian, Greek, and Turkish.

They also tell stories of ancestry, regions, and professions.

Be it for a family tree or just curious about Romanian heritage, knowing these names offers a thrilling look into the nation.

This article explores the meanings, origins, and peculiarities of Romanian surnames.

Romanian last names

Brutaru – “Baker” (from brutar, meaning baker)

Ciobanu – “Shepherd”

Cizmaru – “Shoemaker”

Croitoru – “Tailor” (from croitor, meaning tailor)

Dulgher – “Carpenter”

Fieraru – “Blacksmith” (from fierar, meaning smith)

Moraru – “Miller”

Olariu – “Potter”

Pescaru – “Fisherman”

Țăranu – “Peasant” or “Farmer”

Ungureanu – “Hungarian” (often given to people of Hungarian origin)

Rus – “Russian” or “Slavic”

Sârbu – “Serb”

Grecu – “Greek”

Tudose – Derived from Theodosius, meaning “Given by God”

Lupu – “Wolf”

Ursu – “Bear”

Leu – “Lion”

Codreanu – “From the forest” (codru means forest)

Munteanu – “From the mountains” (munte means mountain)

Bălan – “Blond” or “Fair-haired”

Negru – “Black” or “Dark-skinned”

Roșu – “Red-haired” or “Ruddy complexion”

Albescu – “White” or “Pale”

Chirică – Derived from the Greek name Kyriakos, meaning “of the Lord”

Stanciu – Derived from Stanca, meaning “Rock”

Dumitrescu – “Son of Dumitru” (Dumitru is the Romanian form of Demetrius)

Constantinescu – “Son of Constantin”

Ionescu – “Son of Ion (John)”

Petrescu – “Son of Petre (Peter)”

Popa – “Priest” (from preot, meaning priest)

Biserică – “Church”

Cristea – Derived from Cristos, meaning “Christ”

Hagi – “Pilgrim” (referring to those who made a pilgrimage to Jerusalem)

Florea – “Flower”

Vasilescu – “Son of Vasile”

Radu – Meaning “Happy” or “Joyful”

Gheorghiu – “Son of Gheorghe (George)”

Baciu – “Farmer” or “Landowner”

Dascălu – “Teacher” (from dascăl, meaning teacher or scholar)

Moșneagu – “Elderly man” or “Respected old man”

Drăgan – Derived from drag, meaning “Dear” or “Beloved”

Stroe – Of Slavic origin, meaning “Strict” or “Strong”

Savin – Derived from Sabin, a name of Latin origin

Rusu – “The Russian”

Gavrilă – “Little Gabriel”

Nistor – Derived from Greek Nestor, meaning “Traveler”

Bodea – Of Hungarian origin, meaning “Little House”

Mazilu – “Disarmed soldier” (historically used for noblemen stripped of military rank)

Zamfir – Derived from Persian Zamfir, meaning “Precious Stone”

Albu – “White” (referring to a fair complexion or hair color)

Ardelean – “From Ardeal” (the historical name for Transylvania)

Bacalu – “Village chief” or “Nobleman”

Bădescu – “Son of Badea” (a common given name)

Băncilă – Derived from bancă (bench or bank), possibly indicating a trader

Barbu – “Bearded one”

Bejan – Derived from bej, meaning “Ottoman official”

Boariu – “Cattle herder” (boar means ox or cattle)

Bogdan – “God-given” (bog = God, dan = given)

Botezatu – “Baptized one” (botez means baptism)

Buzatu – “From Buzău” (a region in Romania)

Călin – Named after the Călin tree, a flowering plant

Cazan – “Kettle” or “Boiler maker”

Chelaru – “Cellar keeper” (chelar means steward of a wine cellar)

Chirică – Derived from Greek Kyriakos, meaning “Belonging to the Lord”

Cojocaru – “Furrier” (cojoc means sheepskin coat)

Coroian – Possibly derived from coroană (crown), indicating noble lineage

Costache – Diminutive of Constantin

Covaci – “Smith” (related to metalworking)

Crăciun – “Christmas” (crăciun means Christmas in Romanian)

Crețu – “Curly-haired” (creț means curly)

Cucu – Derived from cuckoo, possibly a nickname

Dăscălescu – “Son of a teacher” (dascăl means teacher)

Deac – “Deacon” (religious title)

Dincă – Diminutive of Dinu (short for Constantin)

Drăghici – Derived from drag, meaning “Dear” or “Beloved”

Făgărășanu – “From Făgăraș” (a region in Transylvania)

Florică – “Little Flower”

Frunză – “Leaf”

Ganea – Possibly derived from Hungarian Gányó, meaning “worker”

Gherman – “German” or of German descent

Ghiță – Diminutive of Gheorghe (George)

Gologan – Derived from gold, possibly indicating a wealthy person

Hodor – Likely of Slavic origin, meaning “fame” or “glory”

Iacobescu – “Son of Iacob (Jacob)”

Iliescu – “Son of Ilie (Elijah)”

Jipa – Derived from jipă (a type of traditional Romanian clothing)

Lazăr – Derived from biblical Lazarus

Macovei – Derived from Makarios, meaning “Blessed”

Mihăescu – “Son of Mihai (Michael)”

Moldoveanu – “From Moldova”

Năstase – Derived from Anastasios, meaning “Resurrected”

Neacșu – Diminutive of Neagu, meaning “Saint Nicholas”

Oprea – “Saved” or “Protected” (from opri, meaning “to stop or protect”)

Palade – Possibly derived from Greek Palaios, meaning “Ancient”

Pintea – Of Hungarian origin, meaning “Brave” or “Strong”

Prunaru – “Plum tree grower” (prun means plum)

Șerban – Derived from Slavic Serban, meaning “Defender”

Tănase – Derived from Greek Athanasius, meaning “Immortal”

Zaharescu – “Son of Zaharia (Zachary)”