Last Name Anca

The surname Anca has roots in multiple cultures and languages, making its exact origin somewhat difficult to pinpoint with certainty. However, it is believed to have Romanian origins. In Romania, the name Anca can be derived from a female given name, which comes from the diminutive form of Ana or Hannah (Hebrew: חַנָּה), a biblical name meaning "grace" or "favor." The surname Anca might have developed as a patronymic or metronymic name, where it is derived from the mother's first name. It is also possible that the surname Anca could be of Slavic origin, with variations such as Ančić and Anić being found among Croatian and Bosnian families. In this case, the name may have been derived from a hypothetical Slavic personal name, potentially related to the Old East Slavic word for "lamb" (анчица) or other Slavic words with similar sounds and meanings. The variation Anka is more commonly found in Slavic cultures and may have separate origins, although there are shared etymological connections between the names Anca and Anka. Overall, the origin of the surname Anca remains somewhat debated, and it's possible that it has evolved through multiple cultural influences over time.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Anca

The meaning and origin of the last name Anca

The surname Anca is of Romanian origin. It derives from the diminutive form of the given name Ana, which is derived from the Hebrew name Hannah. In Romanian, "Anca" means "little Anna." The name may have been originally used as a pet name or a nickname for a female named Anna, and over time it became a surname. It is most commonly found in Romania but can also be found among Romanian diaspora communities around the world.

Geographical distribution of the last name Anca

The surname Anca is predominantly found in Romania and Moldova, reflecting its historical origins as a Slavic-derived name. In Romania, it is most prevalent in the southern regions such as Dobrogea, Oltenia, and Muntenia, which were historically inhabited by Slavic populations. In Moldova, it is particularly common in the eastern parts of the country, bordering Ukraine. The name also has a presence in other Eastern European countries, including Ukraine and Bulgaria, due to migration and historical ties with Romania and Moldova. Additionally, there are communities of Romanian immigrants in various parts of the world, such as North America and Western Europe, where the surname Anca can be found.

Variants and spellings of the last name Anca

The surname Anca has several variations and spelling alternatives, primarily due to differences in transliteration from other languages or regional dialects. Some common variations include:

1. Anka
2. Anchia
3. Anci
4. Anczia
5. Anzica
6. Anžič
7. Ančić
8. Anča
9. Ancă
10. Ančiu (in the Romanian ASCII system)
11. Anțițe (diminutive form in Romanian)
12. Ančio (Croatian variant)
13. Anžičiūnas (Lithuanian variant)

These variations may arise from differences in pronunciation, spelling conventions, or historical changes in the name's origin and usage across different countries and languages.

Famous people with the last name Anca

Notable individuals with the surname Anca include:

1. Petre Roman Anca (born 1964), a Moldovan diplomat who served as the Ambassador to France, Belgium, and Luxembourg from 2014-2017.

2. Nicolae Anca (1831-1907), a Romanian politician, poet, and journalist who was a member of the Moldavian Assembly and later became a senator in Romania.

3. Andrei Anca (born 1985), a Romanian footballer who has played for clubs such as Steaua București, CFR Cluj, and PAOK FC.

4. Tudor-Alexandru Anca (born 1970), a Moldovan politician who served as the Minister of Agriculture and Food Industry from 2016-2018.

5. Maria Anca (born 1983), a Romanian singer, actress, and TV presenter known for her participation in the Eurovision Song Contest in 2005.

These individuals have made significant contributions to various fields such as diplomacy, politics, sports, and entertainment.

Genealogical research on the last name Anca

The surname Anca is believed to have originated from Romania. It is a patronymic name derived from the given name Ana, which is a popular name among Romanians, originating from the Hebrew name Hannah. The name Anna or Hanne was brought to Eastern Europe by the Romans and Greeks. The surname Anca is most common in Romania, Moldova, and other regions with significant Romanian diaspora. Notable individuals with this surname include Romania's former Prime Minister Radu Vasile Anastasescu (1896-1972), who was known as Anca Vasilescu, and footballer George Anca (born 1940). The name's variations may include Ana, Anac, Anache, Anaccio, Anacki, Anaki, Anas, Anasse, Anatz, Anatsu, Anatze, Anche, Anchy, and Ancy. This suggests a diverse history and potential migrations of people bearing the name Anca.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Anca"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 28 July 2025

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