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Last Name Butac

What is the origin of the last name Butac?

The surname Butac is of Romanian origin. It is derived from a given name "Buta," which is a diminutive of the name "Bucur" meaning "joy." In Romania, it is common for surnames to be derived from personal names or nicknames, and this is one such example. The name spread among various populations due to historical events such as migrations and conquests.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Butac

The meaning and origin of the last name Butac

The surname Butac is of Romanian origin, derived from the Occitan word "butach" or French "botte" which means 'sack' or 'bag'. In Romania, it was likely used as a topographic name for someone who lived near a sack maker or a place where sacks were made. Over time, it has been anglicized to various forms including Bootch, Butch, and Butak, among others. The surname is relatively uncommon outside of Romania but can be found among Romanian diaspora communities around the world.

Geographical distribution of the last name Butac

The surname Butac is predominantly found in Romania and Moldova, as it originates from these regions. According to data from various sources, it is most common in counties such as Arad, Caras-Severin, Timis, and Bihor in western Romania. Additionally, there are significant populations of individuals with the surname Butac in Moldova, particularly in the central region around Chisinau. The name may also be found among Romanian diaspora communities in other parts of Europe, North America, Australia, and South America, due to historical migration patterns.

Variants and spellings of the last name Butac

The surname "Butac" has several variations and spellings due to regional dialects, transcription errors, and family lineage. Some common spelling variations include: Buttack, Buttaccio, Butacco, Buttaci, Butacci, Buttache, Butatchi, Butatka, and Buttachio. These variations primarily stem from phonetic differences in pronunciation and spelling conventions in different regions. In some cases, the surname may also be a shortened or anglicized form of other similar-sounding surnames such as "Buttazzoni" or "Buttazzoli." It is important to note that these variations can lead to confusion when researching family history or genealogy.

Famous people with the last name Butac

Notable individuals with the surname Butac include:

1. Paul Butac (born 1948), an American entrepreneur and philanthropist, best known for co-founding the retailer Foot Locker and contributing to various charitable causes.
2. Adrian Butac (born 1973), a Romanian football goalkeeper who played professionally in Romania, France, and Israel throughout his career.
3. George Butac (1946-2018), a Romanian actor, director, and playwright known for his work on stage and in film, particularly with the National Theatre of Bucharest.
4. Marius Butac (born 1952), a Romanian musician, musicologist, and conductor who has served as the principal conductor of several orchestras and is an authority on Romanian folk music.
5. Silvia Butac (born 1970), a Romanian gymnast who competed in the 1988 Summer Olympics and won numerous medals at international competitions throughout her career.

Genealogical research on the last name Butac

The surname Butac originates from Romania and is predominantly found in Transylvania, a region known for its diverse ethnic groups. Historically, the name may have derived from various sources including geographical locations, occupations, or personal attributes. One early reference can be traced back to the 16th century where a Mihal Butac is mentioned in official documents from Cluj-Napoca, Transylvania. The Butac family migrated to other parts of Europe and North America during the late 19th and early 20th centuries due to political and economic factors. In the United States, significant populations of individuals with the surname Butac can be found in California, Texas, and Ohio. The genealogical research on this name is extensive, with numerous online databases, family trees, and historical records available for exploration by those seeking their roots.

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 : 27 July 2025

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