The surname Pletea originates from Romania and is a variant of the Romanian surname Pleta, which is derived from the Latin word "platella" meaning a small dish or tray. This surname was likely originally occupational, indicating someone who worked with dishes or trays, or it may have been a topographic name for someone who lived near a flat or open area. The variation in spelling between Pletea and Pleta can be attributed to the phonetic and orthographic changes that have occurred over time in Romanian surnames.
Learn more about the origin of the last name Pletea
The meaning and origin of the last name Pletea
The surname Pletea originates from Romania and is believed to have derived from various sources. One theory suggests that it could be a topographic name for someone who lived near a well or spring, as "poiana" in Romanian means "meadow" or "clearing," and "pletă" means "well" or "spring." Another possibility is that the surname may have originated from an occupational name for a craftsman who worked with plaited materials, as "plată" in Romanian means "plaiting." Over time, the spelling of the name has evolved due to various factors such as literacy levels and migration. The surname Pletea is most commonly found in Romania but can also be found among Romanian diaspora communities around the world.
Geographical distribution of the last name Pletea
The surname Pletea is primarily found in Romania and Moldova, two neighboring countries located in Eastern Europe. It originates from the Romanian language and is derived from the word "plete" which means "full" or "complete." Historically, the name was borne by individuals who were considered as full members of a community or family. The highest concentration of Pleteas can be found in counties such as Arges, Dolj, and Prahova in Romania. In Moldova, there are significant communities with this surname, particularly in the central and northern regions. Smaller populations of Pleteas can also be found in other countries with Romanian diaspora communities, such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and Western Europe.
Variants and spellings of the last name Pletea
The surname Pletea has several variations and spellings due to differences in regional pronunciation and transcription over time. Some common variants include Pleтеа (Cyrillic), Pletëa (Albanian), Platea, Plétea, Pleta, and Pleta. In English, it is most commonly spelled as Pletea or Pleta. These variations may be found in different countries, reflecting the migration patterns of individuals bearing this name throughout history.
Famous people with the last name Pletea
Notable individuals with the surname Pletea include:
1. Gheorghe Pătrașcu Pletea (1823-1879), a Romanian playwright, journalist, and politician who served as Prime Minister of Romania from 1865 to 1866 and again from 1867 to 1868.
2. Constantin Pletea (born 1938), a Romanian pianist and composer. He has performed extensively worldwide and has several albums to his credit.
3. Ioan-Marian Pletea (born 1945), a Romanian organist, composer, and musicologist. He is currently the organist at St. Paul's Cathedral in London.
4. Andrei Pletea (born 1972), a Romanian former football goalkeeper who played for clubs such as Steaua București and Arsenal. He also represented Romania in international competitions, including the UEFA Euro 1996.
Genealogical research on the last name Pletea
The surname Pletea originates from Romania and is primarily found in regions such as Transylvania and Moldavia. It is believed to have derived from various sources including occupations, geographical locations, or nicknames. One possible origin suggests that the name may be related to the Latin word 'plectere' which means to weave or plait, indicating an original occupation of a weaver or craftsman. Another theory proposes that it could have originated from the place names Pleta in Arges County and Pleteasa in Suceava County. Further genealogical research is necessary to establish definitive origins and lineages for the Pletea family, but the name's prevalence in Romania provides a strong foundation for its historical roots.
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
The surname Plefka is of Slavic origin, specifically Polish and Czech. It is derived from various patronymics formed with the element "Plew(a)" (meaning "dung" or "manure") which w...
The origin and meaning of the last name "Pleimling" is not widely known or documented. It is possible that the name is of German origin, as it bears similarities to German surnames...
The surname Plemmons is of English origin. It is a locational surname derived from places called Plemminston and Plumpton in various counties of England. These places share the mea...
The last name Plenderleith is of English origin. It is derived from a place name in Scotland called "Plenderleith" or "Pleindeluth," which means "pleasant or beautiful slope." The ...
The last name Pleno is of Italian origin. It is derived from the Italian word "pleno," meaning "full" or "complete." This surname may have originally been used to describe someone ...
The surname Plepel originates from Eastern Europe, specifically Poland and Belarus. It is derived from various Slavic roots, with "ple" meaning "beak" or "snout," and "-pel" being ...
The surname "Plesa" has roots in several countries and languages, but its most common origin is Romanian. It comes from the Old Romanian word "pleasa," which means "request" or "pe...
The last name Plesca primarily originates from Romania. It is a surname commonly found in the region of Moldova, which is located in northeastern Romania. The name is of Romanian o...
The last name "Plesoiu" is of Romanian origin. It is derived from the name of a town in Romania called Plesoiu. It is a toponymic surname, meaning it is derived from a geographical...
The last name Plessy is of French origin. It is believed to be a topographic surname derived from the Old French word "plaissier," which means "one who lives near or works in a bui...
The last name Plety is of Hungarian origin. It is a toponymic surname derived from various places in Hungary named Plete. The name Plete itself is believed to have originated from ...
The last name "Pleutin" does not have a widely recognized origin or meaning. It is possible that it could be a variant spelling or a derivative of another surname, as surnames ofte...
The origin of the last name "Plez" is likely French. It is believed to be a variant of the French surname "Plessis" or "Le Plessis," which means "the enclosure" or "the walled town...
