Origin of your surname and forename !
NomOrigine

Last Name Croitoru

Discover my family history now

What is the origin of the last name Croitoru?

The surname Croitoru is of Romanian origin. It is derived from the occupational name for a wood carver, from the Romanian word "croitor," meaning 'carpenter.' This surname would have been originally used as a nickname or an occupation name for someone who was a skilled craftsman in woodworking. The use of such names as identifiers predates the adoption of hereditary surnames in Romania, which started in the late Middle Ages under Hungarian influence.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Croitoru

The meaning and origin of the last name Croitoru

The surname Croitoru is of Romanian origin. It is derived from the occupation of a craftsman who made or sold wooden objects, specifically 'croiti' which translates to 'cradles' in Romanian. This name often served as an identifier for a family whose primary profession was related to this craft. Over time, the spelling may have evolved due to variations in transcription and translation. The name Croitoru is relatively uncommon outside of Romania but is a common surname within the Romanian-speaking community.

Geographical distribution of the last name Croitoru

The surname Croitoru is predominantly found in Romania and Moldova, two countries with historical ties and similar linguistic and cultural backgrounds. It originates from the region of Wallachia in Romania, specifically from the counties of Dâmbovița, Argeș, and Teleorman. The name Croitoru translates to "carpenter" or "woodworker" in Romanian, suggesting a possible occupation-based origin for the surname. Over time, emigration from Romania and Moldova has led to the dispersal of the Croitoru family name across various parts of the world, with significant populations found in countries like the United States, Canada, Israel, and Australia.

Variants and spellings of the last name Croitoru

The surname Croitoru has several variants and spellings due to differences in transcription and transliteration over time. Some common variations include Croitore, Crotaru, Kroitoru, Crotoru, Crătore, and Kreitore. These variations may arise from slight misinterpretations or errors during immigration processes, regional dialects, or personal preferences. In Romanian-speaking communities, the name is derived from the word "cător" meaning 'way' or 'path', while in Moldavian, it could be related to the word "crat" referring to a hill or ridge. However, these etymologies are not universally agreed upon and may vary based on individual family histories.

Famous people with the last name Croitoru

The Croitoru surname is notably represented by several distinguished individuals across various fields. One of the most recognized figures is Ciprian Croitoru, a Romanian-American economist and academic who has served as a professor at the University of California, Berkeley since 2007. Another notable figure is Alina Croitoru, a Canadian politician who was elected to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario in 2018, representing the riding of Barrie-Innisfil for the Progressive Conservative Party. In the world of sports, Adrian Croitoru is a Romanian former professional tennis player who competed on the ATP tour during the late 1990s and early 2000s. Lastly, Andrei Croitoru, a Moldovan politician, has served as a member of the Parliament of Moldova since 2005. These individuals have made significant contributions to their respective fields and are notable bearers of the Croitoru surname.

Genealogical research on the last name Croitoru

The surname Croitoru originates from Romania, specifically Moldavia, and is primarily associated with the Jewish community. Historically, it's believed to be a variation of the Hebrew name Cohen Or, meaning "priest of light." The Croitoru family may have been artisans or traders involved in the production or selling of oil or candles, as the word 'croitor' translates to 'oil-presser' in Romanian. Notable individuals with this surname include Samuel M. Croitoru, a Canadian lawyer and politician, and Ion Croitoru, a Romanian footballer. The Croitoru family is found across Romania, Israel, and North America today. Genealogical research can uncover more detailed information about the specific branches and migrations of this family lineage.

Last name distribution maps

Chargement de la carte...

NomOrigine Team
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 :

Share the origin of your last name with your friends

Twitter Facebook LinkedIn Pinterest WhatsApp Messenger Telegram

Search the origin of a family name

Enter the surname you are looking for below:

Similar Last Names

#1 Croatto

Last name • surnames > croatto

The last name Croatto is of Italian origin. It is believed to be derived from the personal name "Croce" which means "cross" in Italian. The name may have originated from an individ...

#2 Crocetti

Last name • surnames > crocetti

The surname Crocetti is an Italian patronymic name derived from the given name "Crocce" or "Croce." The name Croce in Italian means 'cross.' It is believed that the name was origin...

#3 Crocherie

Last name • surnames > crocherie

The last name Crocherie is of French origin. It is derived from the French word "crochet" which means "hook" or "roach." The surname likely referred to someone who made hooks or wo...

#4 Crochet

Last name • surnames > crochet

The surname Crochet is of French origin. It is derived from the Old French word "crochete," which means "hook." This occupational name was given to a maker or user of hooks, partic...

#5 Crochot

Last name • surnames > crochot

The last name "Crochot" is of French origin. It is derived from the word "crochet," which means "hook" in French. This name likely originated as an occupational surname for someone...

#6 Crocker

Last name • surnames > crocker

The last name "Crocker" is of English origin. It is a occupational surname derived from the Middle English word "crocker," which means a seller of earthenware or pottery. The name ...

#7 Croco

Last name • surnames > croco

The surname Croco is of Italian origin. It is derived from a nickname for someone with a hooked nose, as "croco" is Italian for "crocodile." Nicknames were often used as surnames i...

#8 Crocq

Last name • surnames > crocq

The surname "Crocq" is of French origin. It is derived from the Old French word "croc," meaning "hook" or "crook." This surname may have originally been used to describe someone wh...

#9 Crognale

Last name • surnames > crognale

The surname Crognale is believed to have Italian origins, specifically from the regions of Lombardy and Emilia-Romagna. It is derived from a variety of place names in these areas, ...

#10 Croguennec

Last name • surnames > croguennec

The surname Croguennec is of French origin. It comes from the Breton region in northwestern France and is derived from a place name or geographical feature, specifically a farm or ...

#11 Crohem

Last name • surnames > crohem

I'm sorry, but I couldn't find any information on the origin or meaning of the last name "Crohem." It is possible that it could be a rare or uncommon surname, or it may have variat...

#12 Croibier-fluttaz

Last name • surnames > croibier-fluttaz

The last name Croibier Fluttaz is of French origin. Croibier is a surname that likely comes from a place name, while Fluttaz is a surname that could be of Swiss origin.

#13 Croibier-gros-claude

Last name • surnames > croibier-gros-claude

The last name Croibier Gros Claude originates from France. The surname Croibier is of French origin, meaning "cross." Gros is also a French surname, derived from the Old French wor...

#14 Croizat-blanc

Last name • surnames > croizat-blanc

The last name "Croizat Blanc" is of French origin. "Croizat" may be derived from the French word "croix," meaning "cross," which could suggest a connection to a Christian religious...

#15 Crolbois

Last name • surnames > crolbois

The last name "Crolbois" does not have a widely known origin or meaning. It is possible that it could be a French surname as it has a French sound to it, but without more informati...