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Last Name Olteanu

What is the origin of the last name Olteanu?

The last name "Olteanu" is of Romanian origin. It is derived from the Romanian word "oltean", meaning "on the other side of the Olt". The Olt is an important river in Romania, and the name "Olteanu" was often given to people coming from the region on the other side of this river. Thus, the surname "Olteanu" is often carried by people from the Valachie region of Romania.

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Learn more about the origin of the last name Olteanu

The meaning and origin of the last name Olteanu

The last name Olteanu is of Romanian origin and is usually carried by people from the Oltenia region, located in south-western Romania. The term "Olteanu" derives from the Romanian word "oltean", meaning inhabitants of the Oltenia region. The Oltenia region is historically known for its rich culture and folk heritage, and people with the name Olteanu are often associated with these traditions and regional identity. Thus, the family name Olteanu can be interpreted as a reference to the geographical origin of the person or his cultural heritage related to the Oltenia region of Romania.

Geographical distribution of the last name Olteanu

The last name Olteanu is from Romania, mainly in the Moldovan region. It is also found in significant numbers in Valachia, Transylvania and other regions of Romania, where it is fairly widespread. Outside Romania, there are people with this name in small numbers in Ukraine and Moldova. The Romanian diaspora has also helped spread this name in other countries, including Germany, Italy and Spain. Overall, Olteanu remains a relatively common surname in Romania and in the regions where Romanians settled, while it remains less common in other countries of the world.

Variants and spellings of the last name Olteanu

The name Olteanu can also be spelled Oltean, Oltenau or Olteanu. These variations may vary depending on the region of origin of the family or language specificities. Olteanu is a family name from Romania, mainly carried by persons of Romanian origin. Other spellings may exist depending on historical influences or family migrations. Despite variations in spelling, all of these variants of the Olteanu family name usually refer to the same family line and retain their original meaning.

Famous people with the last name Olteanu

One famous person with the last name Olteanu is Daniela Olteanu, a Romanian actress known for her roles in various films and television shows. She has gained recognition for her versatile performances and captivating on-screen presence. Another notable individual with the last name Olteanu is Cătălin Olteanu, a Romanian footballer who has played for various clubs in Europe, including FC Steaua București and Dinamo București. He is known for his skill and agility on the field, and has amassed a dedicated fan following throughout his career. Both Daniela and Cătălin Olteanu have made significant contributions to their respective fields and continue to be respected figures in the entertainment and sports industries.

Genealogical research on the last name Olteanu

Genealogical research on the name Olteanu dates back to the Romanian origins of this surname. The Olteanu come from the historical region of Oltenia, located in south-western Romania. The name Olteanu is therefore probably linked to this specific geographical region. By exploring family archives, parish registers and civil registers, it is possible to trace the history of the Olteanu and discover their ancestors, trades and way of life. By further digging, it is also possible to reconstruct the genealogical tree of the Olteanu and to identify relations of kinship with other Romanian families bearing the same name. This genealogical research will enable the descendants of the Olteanu to better understand their origins and to reconnect with their family history.

Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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 : 11 April 2025

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