Romanian last names

Romania as a country is a relatively new place on the map, having only been officially formed in the last 1800s. That doesn’t mean that Romanian names lack a long history, though. According to historical records, some can be traced back to the 8th century with the Romanian language being formed around that period. This means that following the exact path of these names is harder to track, but just going off the country of Romania and its short history there is still plenty of migration that has happened to allow last names to spread across Europe and into other regions of the world.

Traditions and procedures of last name changes in romanian

Marriage

A common tradition in Romania, as in many cultures, is for a woman to take her husband's last name upon marriage. However, this is a personal choice, and some women may choose to retain their maiden names. The husband rarely, if ever, takes on the woman’s name in marriage.

Legal Basis

The legal framework for name changes in Romania is established by the Civil Code and related legislation. These laws outline the procedures and conditions for changing both given names and surnames. Romanian law typically requires individuals to provide valid and justifiable reasons for changing their last names. Common reasons include marriage, divorce, adoption, or personal preference. The request must be per legal provisions.

Civil Status

The process for changing last names is usually initiated at the local Civil Status Office (Oficiul Stării Civile) or the City Hall in the individual's place of residence. Individuals seeking a last name change must submit a written request to the Civil Status Office. The request should include the current last name, the desired new last name, and the reasons for the change. Along with the written request, applicants are typically required to provide supporting documentation. This may include a valid identification document, birth certificate, marriage certificate (if applicable), and other relevant records supporting the need for the name change.

Children

When born the child will typically be given the family name of their parents. If the name of the two individuals happens to be different then it is likely that the name will be taken from the father, but it is also possible for the mother’s name to be taken instead.

Other Situations

Given that the country has not existed for long, Romania does not have many long-standing traditions for last names that vary greatly from the region it is in. Romanian naming conventions within the country instead follow a similar pattern to most other Eastern European countries, especially those of their neighbors.

Common prefixes or suffixes in romanian last names & their meaning

-escu

belonging to the people

-ăscu

belonging to the people

-eanu

the provenance of the person

-anu

the provenance of the person

Migration patterns

Looking at the migration patterns of Romania as a country shows that most people leaving the country have happened in recent times. This is partially thanks to the country falling under the Iron Curtain less than a century after properly forming, and thus minimal migration out took place. When the communist regime fell in 1989 it resulted in a mass exodus from Romania.

Along with the newfound freedom, some of the more recent travel from Romania has been spurred thanks to Romania joining the EU. This allows them to travel freely throughout the countries in the agreement. Those who left Romania often went to countries such as Italy, Spain, Portugal, France, and Russia. Outside of the EU they also frequently go to China, Brazil, Mexico, and Argentina. The USA and Canada were also popular destinations, as were Turkey, Belgium, and Australia.

romanian migration to the USA

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Early Immigration (19th and Early 20th Centuries)

The earliest wave of Romanian immigration to the United States occurred in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Many Romanians, primarily from rural areas, sought better economic opportunities and an escape from political turmoil. This period saw an influx of Romanian Jews, as well as ethnic Romanians from various regions.

Post-World War II Immigration

After World War II, Romania fell under communist rule. Some Romanians fled the country due to political oppression, seeking refuge in the United States. This wave of immigration included political dissidents, intellectuals, and individuals seeking religious freedom.

1989 Revolution and Post-Communist Era

The fall of communism in Romania in 1989 led to increased opportunities for Romanians to emigrate. Many individuals sought better economic prospects and freedom of movement. The United States became a destination for those seeking a new life abroad.