The last name "Ilinca" is of Romanian origin. It is a feminine form derived from the given name "Ana-Marie", which is a combination of the names Ana (meaning 'grace' or 'favor') and Marie (meaning 'bitter', 'rebellious', or 'wished-for child'). The name Ilinca has been used as a diminutive form of Ana-Marie in Romania.
Learn more about the origin of the last name Ilinca
The meaning and origin of the last name Ilinca
The surname Ilinca is primarily of Romanian origin. It is derived from the female given name Ilinca, which is a diminutive form of Helena, a Greek name that means "shining light" or "bright." In Romania, the surname Ilinca can be found predominantly in the regions of Oltenia and Muntenia. The name's popularity may also be attributed to the influential Ilinca family in medieval Wallachia, who played a significant role in local politics. Over time, the spelling and pronunciation of the surname have evolved due to various linguistic and phonetic influences, leading to variations such as Ilinska, Ilinschi, and Ilinsky in other languages and regions.
Geographical distribution of the last name Ilinca
The surname Ilinca has its origins in Romania and is most commonly found among the Romanian population. It is particularly prevalent in regions such as Transylvania, Moldova, and Muntenia, which are historically part of Wallachia and Moldavia, two principalities that later merged to form modern-day Romania. The name can also be found in neighboring countries due to historical migrations, such as Hungary, Serbia, and Ukraine. In Romania, the Ilinca surname ranks among the top 10,000 most common names, according to various databases. It is most commonly spelled as "Ilincă" with a feminine ending in Romanian, indicating that it may have originated as a female given name and been adapted as a surname over time.
Variants and spellings of the last name Ilinca
The surname Ilinca has multiple variations and spellings due to differences in translation and transcription across languages and regions. Some common variants include:
These variations may have arisen from historical influences, such as language shifts or migration patterns. The original spelling of the name is likely derived from a Romanian or Slavic first name, such as "Ion" or "Ioan," which was then used as a surname. However, it's important to note that the specific origin and meaning of the name Ilinca may vary depending on individual family histories and cultural backgrounds.
Famous people with the last name Ilinca
Notable individuals with the surname Ilinca include:
1. Aurelian Ilie Ilinca (born 1984), a Romanian operatic baritone, best known for winning the Plácido Domingo Operalia competition in 2013.
2. Cătălin-Andrei Ilie Ilinca (born 1976), a Romanian race walker who competed at the Olympic Games and won multiple medals in the World Athletics Championships and European Athletics Championships.
3. Raluca Ilie Ilinca (born 1982), a Romanian swimmer who competed at the Summer Olympics in 2000, 2004, and 2008, winning two bronze medals in the relay events.
These three individuals have achieved significant success in their respective fields, demonstrating a range of talents and accomplishments associated with the Ilinca surname.
Genealogical research on the last name Ilinca
The Ilinca surname originates from Romania and is derived from the Romanian given name "Ilie", which means 'the Lord'. This patronymic name emerged during the Middle Ages as a way to identify children with the same father.
The Ilinca family can be traced back to Transylvania, a region in modern-day Romania. Historical records indicate that some of the earliest known bearers of this surname lived during the 16th century, including Mihai Ilinca and Ion Ilinca, who were recorded in the town of Sibiu in the year 1528.
The Ilinca family has been prominent in various professions throughout Romanian history, with notable members such as Gheorghe Ilieș, a renowned historian who served as the President of the Academy of Romanian Culture and later became a member of the Romanian Academy. Additionally, Ioan Ilie, a well-known poet and novelist from Transylvania, is also associated with this family name.
Today, the Ilinca surname can be found across Romania and in other parts of the world due to migration over centuries, particularly during the 19th and 20th centuries, with many Ilincas residing in countries like Canada, the United States, Australia, and Western Europe.
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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