Romanian Names

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.

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.

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.

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.

A simple and appealing multi-cultural form of John, but Americans will be baffled by all those vowels.

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.

Despite its varied cultural ties, Zizi still sounds like a cancan dancer or a fluffy lapdog.

Iosua is a masculine name that represents a variation of Joshua, which ultimately derives from the Hebrew name Yehoshua, meaning 'Yahweh is salvation.' This specific form reflects how the name appears in several Polynesian languages, particularly Samoan, as well as in Romanian and other Eastern European languages. The spelling maintains the original vowel sounds while adapting to different phonetic traditions. In Polynesian cultures, the name carries biblical significance while honoring indigenous pronunciation patterns. Though rare in English-speaking countries, Iosua remains meaningful in specific cultural contexts. The name offers a distinctive international alternative to the more common Joshua while maintaining its profound spiritual meaning of divine deliverance and protection.

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.

Common form of Emma found in the Baltic and Slavic states.

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.

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.

Nandru is a masculine name with roots in Romanian and Indian cultures. In Romanian, it's a variation of 'Nandru' or 'Neandru,' potentially derived from Alexander or other traditional names. In Indian contexts, particularly Tamil, it can mean 'gratitude' or 'thankfulness,' embodying an attitude of appreciation. The name has a strong, distinctive sound with its two syllables and ending vowel, giving it a melodic quality when spoken. Though uncommon in Western countries, Nandru offers multicultural appeal with its positive connotations and straightforward pronunciation. For parents seeking a distinctive name with international flavor and spiritual or emotional significance, Nandru presents an uncommon option that connects to values of thankfulness and appreciation across cultures.

Jenica might work if you can't decide between Jennifer and Jessica. It's certainly a more distinctive option.

A cross between Ian and a group of atomic particles.

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.

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.

Dic is a masculine name that functions primarily as a Welsh diminutive of Richard. It represents a traditional, abbreviated form that has been used for centuries in Wales. The name Richard, from which it derives, has Germanic origins meaning 'strong ruler' or 'brave power,' combining the elements 'ric' (power, rule) and 'hard' (brave, strong). Unlike the more internationally common nickname Dick, Dic uses the Welsh spelling convention without the 'k.' While relatively uncommon outside Wales, it carries cultural significance within Welsh communities and families. The name has a straightforward, unpretentious quality, though its usage has declined in recent decades as more parents opt for the full form Richard or alternative nicknames.

Used in Moldova and Romania.