Last Name Nistor

The surname Nistor is of Romanian origin. It comes from a vocational name derived from the Romanian word "nistor," which means "coppersmith" or "tinsmith." This name was likely originally given to someone who worked as a coppersmith, either as a profession or a craft. Over time, it became a hereditary surname in Romania. The spelling variations of this name include Nistor, Nishtor, Nystor, Nystör, etc., depending on regional differences and transcription errors over time.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Nistor

The meaning and origin of the last name Nistor

The surname Nistor is of Romanian origin and is believed to have derived from the Old Slavic word "nestor" or "nester," which means wise elder, bachelor, or someone who has never been married. It was often given as a nickname to an older unmarried man considered wise or learned in his community. The name's use as a surname can be traced back to the medieval period in Eastern Europe. Over time, various spellings have emerged for the name, including Nistor, Năstor, Naștru, and others, due to changes in pronunciation and spelling conventions throughout history. Today, the surname Nistor is most common in Romania but can also be found among Romanian diaspora communities around the world.

Geographical distribution of the last name Nistor

The surname Nistor is predominantly of Romanian origin and is most commonly found in Romania, particularly in regions such as Moldavia and Transylvania. A significant number of individuals bearing this name reside in the eastern counties of Iași, Botoșani, Suceava, and Vaslui, which were historically part of Moldavia. Additionally, a considerable population with the last name Nistor can be found in the cities of Bucharest, the capital, and Cluj-Napoca. Outside Romania, there are notable communities of people named Nistor in countries with substantial Romanian diaspora, such as Spain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, and the United States. In these countries, the distribution tends to follow migration patterns from Romania over the last century.

Variants and spellings of the last name Nistor

The surname Nistor has several variations and spellings, most of which originate from Romania. The most common spelling is "Nistor," pronounced as [niˈstor] in Romanian. Other variants include Nicător, Nicătorescu, Nicătoru, Necator, Niciator, and Nystor (which may appear more often among Romanians living abroad). It is derived from the Romanian noun "nistor," meaning a craftsman or artisan. The name has been noted in historical records dating back to the 16th century. The variations and spelling differences may arise due to regional dialects, phonetic changes over time, and transcription errors during migration.

Famous people with the last name Nistor

Notable individuals bearing the surname Nistor include George Enescu (1881-1955), a Romanian composer and violinist often regarded as one of the greatest musicians of the 20th century. Another significant figure is Mircea Eliade (1907-1986), a prominent historian of religion, philosopher, and writer. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1987 for his work "The Quest for the Self" (in Romanian: "Omul de foc"). Corneliu Nistorescu (1909-1963) was a renowned Romanian author and translator, best known for his novels "Cu o singura sa iubire" ("With One Unrequited Love") and "Sfarsitul Iubirii" ("The End of Love"). In the realm of sports, Nicolae Nistor (born 1970), a former Romanian footballer, represented his country in two FIFA World Cups. These individuals have made significant contributions to various fields, enriching their respective domains with their talent and dedication.

Genealogical research on the last name Nistor

The surname Nistor originates from Romania and is primarily found among Romanian-speaking populations. It is a variant of the name Năstorie or Nastur, which derives from the Old Romanian word "născut" meaning 'born'. Early records show that the name appeared in medieval documents in Moldavia, a region in northeastern Romania. Prominent figures with this surname include Gheorghe Nistor, a Romanian politician and lawyer who served as the Prime Minister of Romania from 1930 to 1932; and Ioan Nistor, a Romanian writer, linguist, and academic known for his work on the history of Moldavian literature. The name is also found in other Eastern European countries, particularly among Romanian diaspora communities. Genealogical research on the Nistor family can be traced through Romanian parish records, census data, and immigration documents, providing valuable insights into the history and migration patterns of this fascinating surname.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Nistor"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

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 : 13 June 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends