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Last Name Ciurariu

What is the origin of the last name Ciurariu?

The surname Ciurariu is of Romanian origin. It is derived from a place name, specifically from a village named Ciurari in Romania, located in the county of Arges. The name likely comes from the Slavic word "čur" which means "blacksmith," and was given to people who lived or worked near such a settlement. Over time, this place name evolved into the surname that we know today.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Ciurariu

The meaning and origin of the last name Ciurariu

The surname Ciurariu is of Romanian origin. It derives from a profession or occupation that was once common among its bearers. Specifically, the name is believed to have been derived from the word "ciobar" or "cioban," which mean shepherd in Romanian. This suggests that individuals with the surname Ciurariu may have originated from families who were involved in sheepherding or related pastoral activities. The name's variation, Ciobotaru, also shares this etymology but is formed by adding the diminutive suffix "-aru" to "ciobar." Over time, the surname has spread across Romania and its diaspora, with variations in spelling possibly arising due to differences in local dialects and transcription practices.

Geographical distribution of the last name Ciurariu

The surname Ciurariu is predominantly found in Romania, with a significant concentration in the historical region of Moldavia, particularly in counties such as Iași, Botoșani, and Suceava. The name also has presence in other parts of Romania, albeit to a lesser extent. Beyond Romania, there are also communities of individuals bearing the Ciurariu surname in countries with large Romanian diaspora populations, such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and Western Europe. In these countries, the concentration of the name varies significantly, often reflecting historical migration patterns from Romania to those regions.

Variants and spellings of the last name Ciurariu

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

* Chirariu
* Ciuraru
* Ciurarescu
* Chirarescu
* Ciurari
* Ciurariuc
* Chirariu
* Ciurariua
* Ciurariulescu
* Ciurariului
* Ciurariuca
* Ciurarul
* Ciuraruleasa
* Ciurarulescu
* Ciuraruica
* Ciuraruliscu
* Ciuraruleasa-Chirariu

These variations may be found in different countries, particularly Romania and Moldova, where the surname is most common. The exact spelling may vary depending on factors such as the language used in documentation or the specific dialect of Romanian spoken in a particular region.

Famous people with the last name Ciurariu

Notable individuals bearing the surname Ciurariu include:

1. Alexandru Ciurariu (born 1983), a Romanian former professional tennis player who reached a career-high ATP singles ranking of World No. 47 in 2006. He won three ATP titles and represented Romania at the Olympics.

2. Daniela Ciurariu (born 1985), a Romanian actress who gained fame for her role as Monica Bălănescu in the TV series "Distanta" and as Maria in the Netflix film "30 de zile" (30 Days). She has also appeared in various films and theater productions.

3. Simona Ciurariu (born 1985), a Romanian actress known for her work on stage, television, and film. Some of her notable roles include Mirela in the TV series "Aderarea" and Ana in the film "Tic-tac". She has also been nominated for several awards.

4. Ion Ciurariu (1930-2015), a Romanian theater, film, and television actor who received numerous accolades throughout his career. He was a member of the National Theatre in Bucharest and worked on over 60 films.

Genealogical research on the last name Ciurariu

The Ciurariu surname is predominantly found in Romania and Moldova, originating from Transylvanian Saxons who settled in these regions during medieval times. The name is believed to be of Germanic origin, derived from the personal name Kurhard or Kürscher, indicating a person who was a furrier or a trapper.

Throughout history, notable individuals with the Ciurariu surname have emerged. For instance, Gheorghe Ciurariu (1936-2017), a Romanian politician and economist, served as Minister of Finance in Romania between 2004 and 2008. On the other hand, Ioan Ciurariu (born 1954) is a Romanian mathematician who has made significant contributions to mathematical logic and set theory.

As for genealogical records, they can be found in various Romanian archives, church registers, and census records dating back several centuries. Ancestry websites and research platforms may also provide additional information about the Ciurariu family tree, making it possible for individuals with this surname to trace their roots and connect with fellow descendants.

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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