Last Name Bancila

Learn more about the origin of the last name Bancila

The meaning and origin of the last name Bancila

The surname Bancila is of Romanian origin. It derives from the word "banca" which means "bench" in Romanian. This name may have been originally given to someone who worked near a bench, such as a carpenter or a blacksmith, or it could have been a topographic name for someone who lived near a bench-like feature in the landscape. In Romania, surnames were often derived from occupations, physical features, or geographical locations, reflecting the rural and agrarian way of life. The surname Bancila is relatively rare outside of Romania and its diaspora communities, indicating its strong association with that region. It is pronounced "Bahn-chee-la" in English.

Geographical distribution of the last name Bancila

The surname Bancila is primarily concentrated in Romania and Moldova, with a significant majority residing in these two countries. In Romania, it is most common in the historic region of Moldavia, particularly in counties such as Neamț, Suceava, Vaslui, and Botoșani. A smaller number of individuals with this surname can also be found in other parts of Romania. In Moldova, the distribution of the name is less centralized but still predominantly in the northern part, with some presence in the capital Chișinău and surrounding areas. A few instances of the surname Bancila have been recorded outside these regions, such as in the United States, Canada, Spain, and Australia, primarily among Romanian expatriates or descendants of Romanian immigrants.

Variants and spellings of the last name Bancila

The surname Bancila has several variants and spellings, reflecting regional differences, family traditions, and historical contexts. Some common variations include Bancilla, BanCila, BanCilla, Bancila, Bancilah, Bancile, and Bancille. The name's origins are primarily from the Italian "Banchi" or "Banca," meaning "bank" or "bench," suggesting a historical connection to occupations related to these meanings. It is also possible that some spellings have arisen from linguistic adaptations over time, particularly in non-Italian speaking regions where pronunciation and spelling can be influenced by local dialects. While the exact number of individuals bearing this name worldwide may vary due to inconsistent recording methods, it remains a relatively uncommon surname across many countries.

Famous people with the last name Bancila

The Bancila surname is relatively uncommon, yet it has produced notable figures across various fields. In music, Petre Bănică Jr., known as Petrică Bănică, is a renowned Romanian violinist and conductor, best recognized for his collaboration with the famous tenor Nicolae Herlea.

In literature, Romulus Bancila, a Romanian author and journalist, is well-known for his works on the history of Transylvania during the Middle Ages. He served as director at the Cluj National Library and was also a member of the Romanian Academy.

In sports, Mihai Bănică, born in 1948, is a former Romanian water polo player. He represented Romania at the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich, where he won a silver medal. His contributions to water polo have earned him a place in the Romanian Sports Hall of Fame.

These are some of the most recognized individuals sharing the Bancila surname, each making significant strides in their respective fields.

Genealogical research on the last name Bancila

The surname Bancila has its roots in Romania, specifically Transylvania, where it was historically concentrated in counties such as Cluj and Mureș. The etymology of the name is not definitively established, but it is suggested to be derived from "banul" (the ruler or governor) or "banca" (bank), both common titles in medieval Romania.

The Bancila family can be traced back to the 16th century when they were documented as landowners and craftsmen. The family expanded across Transylvania and later migrated to other parts of Romania, such as Wallachia and Moldavia, during the 18th and 19th centuries.

Some notable members of the Bancila family include Gheorghe Bancila, a renowned Romanian lawyer and politician, and Alexandru Bancila, a prominent figure in the Romanian Orthodox Church. The Bancila surname is also found in diaspora communities, particularly in the United States, Canada, Australia, and Western Europe.

Genealogical records are plentiful for the Bancila family in Romania, with church registers, civil records, and historical documents providing valuable insights into the family's history. Ancestry research can be facilitated through these resources as well as online genealogy platforms and local Romanian genealogy societies.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Bancila"
• 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 : 13 June 2025