Last Name Precup

Learn more about the origin of the last name Precup

The meaning and origin of the last name Precup

The surname Precup, of Romanian origin, is derived from the word "prah," which means stream, and "cup," meaning hollow or hole. This name likely originally described someone who lived near a stream with a shallow area or a small valley. It can also be spelled as Prețup in its original language. The name first appeared in records during the Middle Ages, and it has been primarily found in Romania, Moldova, and regions settled by Romanian immigrants such as the United States and Canada. In contemporary times, variations of this surname are also found in other countries where Romanians have emigrated. Notable individuals with the surname Precup include athletes, musicians, and politicians.

Geographical distribution of the last name Precup

The surname Precup is primarily found in Romania and Moldova, reflecting its origins from the Romanian language. It is most concentrated in the historical regions of Moldavia and Muntenia, particularly in counties like Iași, Suceava, Botoșani, Vrancea, and Dâmbovița. A significant number of people with this surname can also be found in other parts of Romania and in Moldova. Additionally, there are communities with the Precup name in countries with large Romanian diasporas, such as the United States, Canada, Spain, France, Italy, Germany, Australia, and the United Kingdom. The spread of this surname outside Romania and Moldova is mainly due to migration and assimilation over centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Precup

The surname Precup has several variations and spelling options, including:

1. Precup - This is the most common spelling of the name, with or without an accent on the "e."
2. Preece-Up - An alternative spelling, often found in some regions, particularly in England.
3. Precoup - A less common variation that may be found due to phonetic spelling or transcription errors.
4. Prekup - This spelling might occur when the name is transcribed from non-Latin scripts such as Cyrillic or Greek.
5. Prăcoup (Romanian) - The Romanian version of Precup, with an accent on the "a."
6. Prakoupp (Greek) - A possible variant in Greek, where the final "c" may be replaced by a "k."
7. Prahkop (Czech and Slovak) - In some Slavic languages, the name could be transcribed or transliterated as Prahkop.

Famous people with the last name Precup

One of the most notable individuals with the surname Precup is Radu J. Precup, a prominent computer scientist known for his contributions to machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI). He is currently a professor at the University of Montreal and a research scientist at Facebook AI Research. His work has been instrumental in developing Bayesian optimization methods, which are widely used in both academia and industry. Another well-known figure with the name Precup is musician Chris Precup, who is a highly skilled guitarist and composer, best recognized for his work with bands like The Church, and as a solo artist. His music has been praised for its unique blend of pop, rock, and experimental elements.

Genealogical research on the last name Precup

The surname Precup originates from Romania and is primarily associated with the Moldavian region. It derives from the Old Romanian word "precop" meaning "priest." The earliest records of the Precup family date back to the 16th century in Moldavia. Some notable members of this lineage include Dimitrie Precup, a prominent figure during the Principality of Moldavia in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. The family also migrated to other countries, particularly the United States, in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, settling mainly in states like Ohio, Illinois, and Michigan. Genealogical research indicates that the Precup lineage has branched into various sub-lines over time, with many descendants maintaining connections to their Romanian roots while others have assimilated into diverse cultures around the world.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Precup"
• 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 : 14 June 2025