What is the origin of the last name Iftimie-chirila?

The surname Iftimie-Chirila is a combination of two separate Romanian surnames: Iftimie and Chirila. The surname Iftimie is derived from the personal name Iftimie, which in turn comes from the Greek name "Euthymios," meaning well-disposed or cheerful. It was likely brought to Romania by Greeks during the Byzantine era. The surname Chirila, on the other hand, is of Slavic origin and is derived from the personal name Čeh (meaning Czech) or Chirl (meaning curly-haired). It was likely adopted by Romanians who lived in areas where there were significant Slavic populations. It's important to note that surnames like Iftimie-Chirila have a long history in Romania and are common among the population, particularly in regions with mixed Greek and Slavic influences.
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Learn more about the origin of the last name Iftimie-chirila

The meaning and origin of the last name Iftimie-chirila

The surname Iftimie-Chirila is of Romanian origin, derived from two separate components: Iftimie and Chirila.

Iftimie is a patronymic name derived from the given name Iftime, which is an old Slavic name that was assimilated into Romania during the Middle Ages. The name is believed to have originated from the word "Ivan," meaning God is gracious, although it has also been associated with other Slavic roots such as "Yefim," meaning life-giver.

Chirila, on the other hand, is a topographic surname that is derived from the word "chir," meaning pine tree in Romanian. It was likely used to denote an individual who lived near or worked with pine trees.

The combination of Iftimie and Chirila creates a unique surname that reflects the historical assimilation of Slavic influences into Romania, as well as the region's topography and natural features.

Geographical distribution of the last name Iftimie-chirila

The surname Iftimie-Chirila is primarily found in Romania, a country located in Southeastern Europe. This name is of Romanian origin and reflects the historical and cultural context of the region. The Iftimie part of the surname is derived from the personal name Iftimie, which is a variant of Eufrosin (meaning 'well-born'), while Chirila could potentially be related to the occupational name for a wood carver or a farmer who cultivated cherry trees. While the majority of bearers of this surname reside in Romania, there may also be individuals with this last name in diaspora communities, particularly in countries with significant Romanian populations such as the United States and Canada.

Variants and spellings of the last name Iftimie-chirila

The surname Iftimie-Chirila has multiple variations and spellings due to differences in transliteration and regional pronunciation. Some common variants include:

1. Iftimie-Cherila
2. Iftimiu-Cherila
3. Iftimie Cherila
4. Iftimiuc-Chirila
5. Iftimiu Chirila
6. Iftimiu-Chirila
7. Iftimie-Cheryl
8. Iftimiu Cheryl
9. Iftimie Cheryl

These variations may also appear with slight differences in capitalization and punctuation. It's important to note that the correct spelling can depend on individual preferences, cultural influences, or historical context.

Famous people with the last name Iftimie-chirila

Notable individuals with the surname Iftimie-Chirila include:

1. Alexandru Iftimie (born 1962), a Romanian former footballer who played as a midfielder, most notably for Dinamo București and Steaua București. He won multiple championships in Romania and also represented the national team at Euro 1984.

2. Cornel Iftimie (born 1960), a Romanian retired football goalkeeper who played for teams such as Steaua București, Rapid București, and AEK Athens. He was part of the Steaua team that won the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup in 1986.

3. Daniel Iftimie (born 1970), a Romanian actor known for his work in both theatre and film, notably his portrayal of Prince Vlad the Impaler in the historical drama "Dracula" (2013).

4. Marius Iftimie (born 1986), a Romanian professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for FC Voluntari. He has also represented Romania at international level.

Genealogical research on the last name Iftimie-chirila

The surname Iftimie-Chirila originates from Romania and is composed of two distinct parts: Iftimie and Chirila.

The root surname Iftimie is of Romanian origin, derived from the given name Iftimie, which is a diminutive form of the name Eustathius, a Greek name that means "well-born." The name Iftimie emerged during the Middle Ages and gained popularity in Wallachia, one of the historical provinces of Romania.

Chirila, on the other hand, is a patronymic surname derived from the given name Chira, a shortened form of the female name Ecaterina or Aurelia. The name Chirila emerged during the Middle Ages and was prevalent in Moldavia, another historical province of Romania.

The combined surname Iftimie-Chirila likely originated when two families bearing these names intermarried, a common practice in medieval Europe for creating new surnames. The exact origins and the specific families that first adopted this surname are yet to be definitively determined and are subjects of ongoing genealogical research.

Last name distribution maps

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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.

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