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Last Name Angelescu

What is the origin of the last name Angelescu?

The surname Angelescu is of Romanian origin, derived from the Latin word "Angelus," which means 'angel.' Over time, it evolved into various spellings, including Angelus, Angel, Angelici, and Angelescu in Romania. This surname was typically given to children born on specific religious days or to those whose godparents were named after angels.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Angelescu

The meaning and origin of the last name Angelescu

The surname Angelescu is of Romanian origin, specifically from Transylvania, a region now part of Romania but historically inhabited by various ethnic groups. The name is derived from the Old Slavic term "angel" or "anhel," meaning "messenger" or "angel." This suggests that the original bearer of the surname may have been associated with messengers or angels in some capacity, either through occupation, religious affiliation, or personal characteristics. Over time, the name evolved into various spellings such as Angelescu, Angelasiu, and others, reflecting the region's linguistic diversity and the challenges of recording names during different historical periods.

Geographical distribution of the last name Angelescu

The surname Angelescu has its origins in Romania and is predominantly found in the southern part of Transylvania, specifically in Sibiu County and Alba County. The name is associated with the Szekler community, a Hungarian-speaking people who inhabit the historical region of Székely Land within Transylvania. While primarily concentrated in Romania, small populations bearing this surname can also be found in other parts of Europe due to migration, such as Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. In these countries, they often form part of the Romanian diaspora. The geographical distribution of the name Angelescu reflects its historical connection to Transylvania and the Szekler community.

Variants and spellings of the last name Angelescu

The surname Angelescu has several variations and spellings due to differences in transliteration and regional pronunciation. Some common variants include:

* Anghelscu
* Anghelescu
* Angheleșcu
* Anghelasco
* Anghelesco
* Angheleskou

The name is of Romanian origin, derived from the male given name Angel (meaning "messenger" in Greek). It is most common in Romania and regions with a significant Romanian diaspora. The spelling may vary slightly depending on factors such as language dialect, country of origin, or individual preference.

Famous people with the last name Angelescu

Notable individuals with the surname Angelescu include:

1. Mircea Angelescu (born 1942), a Romanian mathematician known for his contributions to harmonic analysis and functional analysis. He has served as President of the Romanian Academy since 2016.

2. Corneliu Angelescu (1898-1973), a Romanian general who played a significant role in World War II, particularly during the Soviet occupation of Bessarabia and North Bukovina in 1940.

3. Ion Angelescu (1896-1972), a Romanian politician who served as Prime Minister from 1952 to 1955, during the communist regime under Gheorghe Gheorghiu-Dej. He was later removed from power and spent many years in prison.

4. Octav Angelescu (born 1973), a Romanian football coach and former player who played as a goalkeeper. He has managed several Romanian clubs, including Rapid București and CFR Cluj.

Genealogical research on the last name Angelescu

The surname Angelescu is of Romanian origin, primarily found in Transylvania, an historical region in central Romania. It is derived from the personal name Anghel (meaning "angel" in English), which was common among the Romanians during the Middle Ages. Variations of the name include Angelescù, Angelesi, and Angeluscu, which may have evolved due to regional dialects or historical influences. Notable figures bearing this surname include Dimitrie Anghel, a Romanian politician who served as Minister of Foreign Affairs from 2008 to 2009, and Cornel Angelescu, a renowned Romanian conductor and musicologist. The family history can be traced back to the 16th century in Transylvanian records, with branches migrating to other parts of Romania and even abroad over time.

Last name distribution maps

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Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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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