Last Name Bujor

The surname "Bujor" is of Romanian origin. It is derived from the word "bujor," which means 'beech tree' in the Romanian language. This surname would have been given to someone who lived near or was associated with a beech tree, as was common in many European cultures during the Middle Ages and beyond.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Bujor

The meaning and origin of the last name Bujor

The surname Bujor is of Romanian origin, derived from the Old Slavonic word "bujari" which means "beekeeper". It is one of the many Romaniot (Greek-influenced) or Hellenized surnames that are prevalent in the historic region of Moldavia and Wallachia, now part of modern Romania. The use of occupational surnames was common in these regions during the Middle Ages, as a means to identify one's profession or trade. Over time, these names became hereditary, passed down from generation to generation. The Bujor family name is believed to have originated from someone who was skilled in beekeeping and cultivating honey, reflecting the importance of apiculture in the region's economy and culture.

Geographical distribution of the last name Bujor

The surname Bujor is predominantly found in Romania and Moldova, with a significant concentration in regions such as Moldavia, Transylvania, Muntenia, and Oltenia. Historically, the name has been associated with Romanian and Moldovan populations, reflecting its strong roots in these countries. Beyond Eastern Europe, small diaspora communities of people with the surname Bujor can be found in other parts of the world, particularly in countries such as the United States, Canada, Spain, France, Italy, and Australia, where Romanian and Moldovan immigrants have settled over the years. The geographical distribution of this name reflects the historical and cultural connections between these regions and their diaspora communities around the globe.

Variants and spellings of the last name Bujor

The surname Bujor has several variants and spellings across different regions and languages. Some of these include Bujor, Buzior, Bucior, Budjor, Busor, and Byjor. These variations may arise due to regional dialects, differences in transcription, or changes over time. In Romanian, the name is often written as Bujor, but in other languages or contexts, it might be transliterated differently. For example, it could appear as Buzhur, Budzhur, or similar variants in Cyrillic scripts. It's essential to note that these variations do not indicate different surnames, but rather different ways of writing the same name.

Famous people with the last name Bujor

Notable individuals with the surname Bujor include:

1. Adrian Bujor (born 1943), a Romanian film actor who won the Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor and was nominated for an Academy Award for his role in "Zece zile în martie" (Ten Days from March).

2. Mihai Bujor-Wagner (born 1960), a Romanian conductor and composer who served as the Music Director of the Orchestre national de France from 2000 to 2007.

3. Corneliu Bujor (1894–1969), a Romanian composer, pianist, and music pedagogue known for his piano compositions and contributions to Romanian music education.

4. Gabriel Bujor (1933-2006), a Romanian film director and screenwriter who worked extensively in the 1960s and 1970s, producing notable films such as "Fata de la bordul lui Iencsi" (The Girl from Iencsi's Tavern) and "Tara mea e în flăcări" (My Country Is Burning).

These individuals have made significant contributions to the fields of film, music, and education, cementing the Bujor name as a notable Romanian cultural legacy.

Genealogical research on the last name Bujor

The Bujor surname originates from Romania, primarily associated with the Transylvanian region. It is a patronymic name derived from the first name Bucur, which means "joy" or "happiness." Historically, the Bujor family is believed to have originated from the medieval settlements of Moldavia and Wallachia. One notable figure with the surname Bujor was Prince Radu Mihai Bujor (1801-1873), who served as a military officer and politician during the 19th century in Romania. The Bujors, like many other Romanian families, experienced migration waves, particularly to the United States, Canada, and Western Europe, primarily in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The dispersal of the Bujor family across the globe has made genealogical research challenging but not impossible, with various online resources available for tracing family history and connections.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Bujor"
• 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

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