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Last Name Copaciu

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What is the origin of the last name Copaciu?

Last updated : 15 June 2025

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The surname Copaciu has its origins in Romania. It is a patronymic surname derived from the given name Copace, which is of Slavic origin and means "from the oak wood" or "oak tree". This surname is primarily found among…

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The meaning and origin of the last name Copaciu

The surname Copaciu is of Romanian origin and has its roots in the Transylvanian region, particularly in the Moldavia area of Romania. The name is derived from the Romanian word "copaci," meaning "trees" or "woods." It is possible that an early bearer of this surname lived near a large forest or wooded area and was identified by this geographical feature. Over time, the name has been spelled in various ways due to differences in regional dialects, including Copacea, Copăceanu, and others. The Copaciu family is known for their historical presence in Transylvanian society, with many notable figures bearing the surname throughout history.

Geographical distribution of the last name Copaciu

The surname Copaciu is predominantly found in Romania, particularly in the northeastern region, especially in counties such as Suceava, Iași, and Botoșani, which are historically part of Moldavia. It also appears with some frequency in neighboring regions of Moldova. This pattern reflects the historical and cultural ties between these areas, where the name likely originated. The distribution is relatively concentrated compared to other Romanian surnames due to the specific historical circumstances that led to its creation, making it a notable feature of the region's genealogy. While instances of the surname Copaciu can be found in other parts of Romania and occasionally in the diaspora, these regions represent the core area from which the name predominantly originates.

Variants and spellings of the last name Copaciu

The surname Copaciu has several variations and spellings due to transliteration and regional differences. Some of these include Copaciou, Copatschou, Copatzschou, Kopatschou, Kopatschoua, Kopazschou, Kopaciu, Copaschu, Copachew, Copasshu, and Copeaciu. These variations can be found among different ethnic groups who have adopted the name over time, particularly those of Romanian or Moldovan descent. It's essential to note that spelling variations may arise due to differences in language, dialect, and historical transcription methods.

Famous people with the last name Copaciu

Notable individuals bearing the surname Copaciu include:

1. Silvio Ciprian Copaciu (born 1984), a Romanian actor and television presenter, best known for his roles in films such as "The Paper Will Be Blue" and "Titanic Concert".
2. Dan Copaciu (born 1978), a Romanian footballer who played as a goalkeeper for clubs like Steaua București and Rapid București, and the Romania national team. He won the UEFA Intertoto Cup with Steaua in 2006.
3. Florin Copaciu (born 1965), a Romanian actor who has appeared in numerous films, including "The Death of Mr. Lazarescu" and "4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days", for which he won the Best Actor award at the Venice Film Festival in 2007.
4. Roxana Copaciu (born 1985), a Romanian actress who gained fame for her role in the television series "The Crimson Rivers". She has also appeared in films like "Father's Day" and "The Tribe".

These individuals have made significant contributions to their respective fields in Romania and beyond.

Genealogical research on the last name Copaciu

The surname Copaciu is of Romanian origin, predominantly found in the historical regions of Moldavia and Muntenia. It is derived from the Old Romanian word "copaci" which means "trees". This suggests that an early bearer of this name may have lived near a grove or forest. The earliest known records of the Copaciu family date back to the 18th century in Romania, with notable figures such as Gheorghe Copaciu, a notable poet and satirist during the 19th century. The family has also been noted in the diaspora, particularly in countries like the United States and Canada, since the late 19th and early 20th centuries due to immigration waves. Genealogical research indicates that there are several branches of the Copaciu family dispersed across Romania and its diaspora communities.

Last name distribution maps

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Sources & References

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 : 15 June 2025

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