Romanian last names reflect the country’s rich history and diverse cultural influences, including Latin, Slavic, and Turkish elements. Many Romanian surnames are patronymic, derived from a father’s given name, or occupational, indicating an ancestor’s profession. Others are descriptive, referring to physical characteristics or places of origin. Some common Romanian last names include:

1. Popescu: “son of the priest,” one of the most common Romanian surnames
2. Ionescu: “son of Ion (John)”
3. Popa: “priest”
4. Rusu: “Russian” or “red-haired”
5. Dumitru: derived from the given name Dumitru (Demetrius)
6. Stancu: derived from the Slavic name Stanko
7. Diaconu: “deacon”
8. Gheorghe: derived from the given name Gheorghe (George)
9. Matei: derived from the given name Matei (Matthew)
10. Ciobanu: “shepherd”

These names represent just a small fraction of the diverse Romanian surnames. Each carries a piece of family history, reflecting Romania’s complex cultural tapestry. Understanding these names provides insight into Romanian heritage, family histories, and the country’s social and occupational structures throughout history.