Romanian Names
- Piper
Origin:
English occupational nameMeaning:
"pipe or flute player"Description:
Piper is a bright, musical name that entered the list in 1999, one year after the debut of the TV series Charmed, which featured a Piper, and it's been a consistent riser since. Piper Kerman is the memoirist whose prison experiences provided the basis for the hit Netflix series Orange is the New Black.
- Florin
Origin:
French and RomanianMeaning:
"flower; flourishing"Description:
Florin is one of the legion of names derived from the root word for flower, most of them like Flora and Florence used for girls. But the boys' form Florin is among the popular French names for boys, along with sister name Fleur for girls. There was a ninth century Swiss St. Florin. The related Florian was the name of a second century Roman saint.
- Caliban
Origin:
RomanianMeaning:
"black"Description:
In Shakespeare's The Tempest, Caliban is the name of the deformed son of a witch: not the greatest literary reference for a child. But Caliban does have an appealing international-yet-accessible feel and a rhythmic sound. As long as nobody knows its origin, it might make a great name for a boy or even a girl.
- Ema
Origin:
Variation of Emma, German, JapaneseMeaning:
"universal; favor, benefit + flax"Description:
Streamlined and succinct, Ema is a multicultural choice with wide-reaching appeal and versatility.
- Zizi
Origin:
African, KiswahiliMeaning:
"pledged to God"Description:
Despite its varied cultural ties, Zizi still sounds like a cancan dancer or a fluffy lapdog.
- Cristina
Origin:
Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Catalan, and Romanian variation of Christina, GreekMeaning:
"a Christian"Description:
Cristina is one case where the streamlined version feels more alluring. Cristina is found more often than Christina in many European countries and cultures, including Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking Latin and South America.
- Vasile
Origin:
Romanian form of BasilMeaning:
"king"Description:
Used in Moldova and Romania.
- Emilian
Origin:
Romanian form of EmilMeaning:
"rival"Description:
With the new trend of boys' names rising on the heels of their popular sisters, the unusual-yet-familiar-feeling Emilian might become better known thanks to its relationship to Emily and Emilia/Amelia. Rather than being two branches of the same tree, Emilian and Emily are actually one tree while Emmett and Emma hang on a whole separate tree. But all have a lot of modern appeal, and Emilian may be a more attractive and intriguing male form than Emil. There was a St. Emilian.
- Reveca
Description:
Reveca is a feminine name that appears to be a variant spelling of Rebecca, which comes from Hebrew origins meaning "to bind" or "to tie." This alternative spelling may reflect Spanish or Latin American pronunciation influences, where the 'b' sound is sometimes softened to a 'v' sound. The biblical Rebecca was known for her beauty and kindness as the wife of Isaac and mother of Jacob and Esau. While the traditional spelling Rebecca has remained consistently popular across many generations, the Reveca variant is quite uncommon, offering a distinctive twist on the classic name. The name carries connotations of beauty, faith, and maternal strength from its biblical associations.
- Camelia
Origin:
Romanian and Spanish form of CamelliaMeaning:
"camellia flower"Description:
A floral name, used in Romania and popular in Moldova too. Camellia is the English form, while Camélia is used in France. The flower itself is named after botanist George Josef Kamel.
- Tereza
Origin:
Portuguese, Czech, and Romanian variation of TheresaMeaning:
"to harvest"Description:
A favorite in Brazil, with the z adding extra zest.
- Enric
Description:
Enric is a masculine name of Catalan origin, equivalent to Henry in English. Derived from Germanic elements meaning 'home ruler' or 'ruler of the household,' it combines strength and leadership qualities. This name has been particularly popular in Catalonia and other Catalan-speaking regions of Spain, carried by numerous notable figures including artists, politicians, and athletes. While maintaining a strong regional identity, Enric has a sophisticated European flair that travels well across borders. The name blends historical depth with a contemporary sound, making it both traditional and accessible. Though less familiar internationally than its equivalents Henry or Enrique, Enric offers distinction while remaining connected to a widespread naming tradition.
- Dumitru
Description:
Dumitru is a traditional Romanian masculine name derived from the Greek Dimitrios, which connects to Demeter, the goddess of agriculture and fertility. Common throughout Romania and Moldova, Dumitru is the Romanian equivalent of Demetrius or Dmitri. The name has deep historical roots in Eastern European and Orthodox Christian traditions. While relatively uncommon in Western countries, it remains an important cultural name in Romanian communities worldwide. Dumitru features a distinctive sound pattern with its three syllables and unique combination of consonants and vowels. The name offers a strong connection to Romanian heritage while providing an uncommon option with historical depth.
- Jenica
Origin:
Romanian variation of JaneMeaning:
"God is gracious"Description:
Jenica might work if you can't decide between Jennifer and Jessica. It's certainly a more distinctive option.
- Henric
Description:
Henric is a masculine name representing a Germanic and Scandinavian variant of Henry, which derives from the elements 'heim' (home) and 'ric' (ruler), meaning 'ruler of the home' or 'lord of the household.' This spelling is particularly common in Sweden, Finland, and parts of Eastern Europe. While the anglicized Henry has dominated in English-speaking countries, Henric maintains popularity in northern Europe. The name carries a distinguished heritage, having been borne by numerous royals and nobles throughout European history. With its strong consonants and clean pronunciation, Henric projects qualities of leadership, strength, and noble character. This spelling gives the classic name a distinctive Nordic touch while preserving its historical dignity.
- Ursule
Description:
Ursule is the French feminine form of Ursula, derived from the Latin word 'ursula' meaning 'little female bear.' The name carries a rich history dating back to Saint Ursula, a legendary British princess and Christian martyr from the 4th or 5th century. Throughout European history, Ursule has maintained associations with strength and determination, reflecting the bear symbolism in its etymology. While never extremely common, the name experienced modest popularity in French-speaking regions and has an elegant, classical quality. Ursule offers a sophisticated alternative to the more widely recognized Ursula, with its distinctly French pronunciation adding a touch of refinement and international flair.
- Marku
Description:
Marku is a masculine name that represents the Finnish, Estonian, and Albanian form of Mark or Marcus. The original name derives from Mars, the Roman god of war, and has been popular across numerous cultures for centuries. The 'u' ending gives the name a distinctive international quality while maintaining its recognizable roots. In Finland and Estonia, Marku is a familiar name with a strong cultural identity, while it remains uncommon in English-speaking countries. This makes it an appealing choice for parents seeking a name with global connections but a distinctive sound in Western contexts.
- Dacian
Origin:
Ancient place nameDescription:
Dacia was an ancient region comprised of what is modern Romania and Moldova and smaller parts of other Eastern European countries. Its inhabitants were called the Dacians, and the Dacian Kingdom flourished around the time of Christ until it was toppled by the Romans. Daciana is the female version sometimes used in Romania.
- Simion
Description:
Simion is a masculine name that represents a variation of the Hebrew name Simon, meaning 'he has heard' or 'listening.' This spelling variant adds a distinctive touch while maintaining the name's biblical connections. Simon was one of Jesus's twelve apostles in the New Testament, giving the name significant religious heritage. Simion appears across various cultures, particularly in Eastern European countries like Romania and Moldova, where it has maintained steady popularity. The spelling with an 'i' instead of 'o' creates a subtle difference in pronunciation in some languages. While less common than Simon in English-speaking countries, Simion offers families an opportunity to honor traditional naming practices while giving their child a slightly more distinctive version of this classic name.
- Alexandru
Description:
Alexandru is the Romanian form of Alexander, derived from the Greek name Alexandros, meaning "defender of men" or "protector of mankind." This masculine name has ancient roots and has been borne by numerous historical figures, including Alexander the Great, the Macedonian conqueror. In Romania and Moldova, Alexandru is consistently popular, often shortened to the affectionate forms Alex, Sandu, or Alecu. The name carries a sense of strength and leadership across many cultures. Its international variants include Alexander (English), Alejandro (Spanish), and Alessandro (Italian), making Alexandru part of a globally recognized family of names with classical origins.
