Last Name Stuparu

The surname Stuparu is of Romanian origin. It comes from the Old Romanian word "stupă," which means "tomb" or "grave." This surname was often given to someone who lived near a burial place, or to a person who had a specific occupation related to tombs or graves. Like many surnames, it likely evolved over time and may have been modified in spelling due to various historical factors such as linguistic changes, migration, and record keeping errors.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Stuparu

The meaning and origin of the last name Stuparu

The surname Stuparu is of Romanian origin. It is derived from the Old Romanian word "stupă", which means "funnel" or "jar". This surname likely originated as an occupational name for someone who crafted funnels or jars, or a topographic name for someone living near such objects. The Stuparu family, like many others in Eastern Europe, has a rich history and is widely distributed across Romania. However, the specific origins of the Stuparu surname remain unclear as many Romanian surnames are not documented before the 18th or 19th centuries when systematic recording began. Despite this, the name remains common among Romanians, reflecting its long-standing presence in the region's history.

Geographical distribution of the last name Stuparu

The last name Stuparu is predominantly distributed within Romania, where it is one of the most common surnames. According to the Romanian National Census of 2011, approximately 49,687 individuals carried this surname in the country. Outside of Romania, significant numbers of Stuparus can be found in countries with large Romanian expatriate populations, such as Spain, Italy, Germany, France, and the United States. In these countries, the concentration is usually small compared to Romania but still represents a noticeable presence within the Romanian diaspora. The distribution of this surname reflects historical migration patterns, particularly from Romania to Western Europe during the 20th century and more recently to North America.

Variants and spellings of the last name Stuparu

The surname Stuparu has several variants and spellings due to differences in regional pronunciation and spelling conventions. Some of these variants include: Stupar, Stuparu-Staparu, Stuparou, Stuparov, Stuparova (for female versions), and potentially others depending on specific family lineage or migration patterns. The name originates from Romania, where it is common among the Romanian population. In English, it may be transliterated using the Latin alphabet, leading to slight variations such as Stuart-Pu, Stuparow, or even Stuparu-Stewart in some cases. It's essential to note that the correct spelling for a specific individual often depends on their family's history and personal preference.

Famous people with the last name Stuparu

Notable individuals with the last name Stuparu hail from various fields and countries, showcasing diverse talents and achievements. One such figure is Mihai Stuparu, a Romanian footballer who played as a midfielder for clubs like Steaua București and Panionios FC. Another prominent figure is Radu Stuparu, a renowned mathematician and computer scientist from Romania, known for his contributions to the field of computational geometry. In the realm of entertainment, Corneliu Stuparu, a Romanian actor, has garnered recognition for his roles in films like "4 luni, 3 săptămâni și 2 zile" (Four Months, Three Weeks and Two Days) and "Moartea Domnului Lazarescu" (The Death of Mr. Lazarescu). In the sports world, Adrian Stuparu, a Romanian rugby union player, has represented Romania in several international tournaments. These individuals exemplify the multifaceted nature of those sharing the last name Stuparu and their significant contributions to their respective fields.

Genealogical research on the last name Stuparu

The surname Stuparu is predominantly found in Romania and Moldova, originating from the Old Romanian word "stupa," meaning a funerary monument or shrine. One of the earliest recorded instances of the name can be traced back to the 16th century in Transylvania, where a Petru Stuparu was mentioned in documents related to land ownership.

The Stuparu family was primarily associated with the Moldavian boyars (nobles), who played significant roles in the political and cultural history of the region. In the late 17th and early 18th centuries, the Stuparus were part of the Phanariote system, a Greek-speaking elite that governed parts of the Danubian Principalities (modern Moldova and Wallachia).

In more recent times, notable figures with the surname include Gheorghe Stuparu, a renowned Romanian footballer who played for teams such as Steaua București and FC Porto, and Nicolae Stuparu, a prominent historian and academician in Romania. The Stuparu family lineage continues to thrive in present-day Romania and Moldova, with many descendants contributing to various fields of society.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Stuparu"
• 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

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