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Last Name Tincu

What is the origin of the last name Tincu?

The last name Tincu is of Romanian origin. It is derived from a occupational name for a tinner, someone who worked with tin, or it may be a toponymic surname for someone who lived near a place called Tinca, a village in Romania. In the Middle Ages, many people took their names from their occupations or places of origin as a way to identify themselves. The name has also been found among Romanian immigrants in other parts of Europe and North America.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Tincu

The meaning and origin of the last name Tincu

The surname Tincu is of Romanian origin, derived from the Old Romanian word "tîncă" which means "small house" or "cabin". This name likely emerged to identify someone who lived in a small house, or it could have been used metaphorically to denote someone who was diminutive in size. The spelling variations of this surname include Tinca and Tincă, with the latter being the original Romanian spelling. The name is predominantly found among the Romanian population, particularly in Transylvania, a region that has been historically inhabited by various ethnic groups including Romanians, Saxons, and Hungarians. As with many surnames, the adoption and dissemination of Tincu may have been influenced by historical events, migrations, and social changes over centuries.

Geographical distribution of the last name Tincu

The last name Tincu is predominantly found in Romania, with a significant concentration in Transylvania and Moldavia regions. It also appears in smaller numbers in other parts of the country. Outside of Romania, individuals with the surname Tincu can be found in neighboring countries such as Hungary, Ukraine, and Moldova due to historical migrations and intermarriages. The diaspora communities exist primarily in Western Europe, North America, Australia, and New Zealand, suggesting a pattern of emigration from Romania over the past centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Tincu

The surname Tincu has several variations and spellings worldwide. Here are some possible forms: 1. Tinku: A variation commonly found in some regions, particularly Romania, where the name originates from. 2. Tincko: This spelling is less common but may be found among families who have migrated from Eastern Europe. 3. Tinczu or Tinczú: These are Hungarian variations of the name, with the "c" pronounced as a hard "ts" sound. 4. Tynku: A possible Slavic variation, although it's less common and may not be directly related to the original Romanian name. 5. De Tincu or Dincu: These are patronymic forms of the name, indicating that the person is a son of someone named Tin. 6. Tinco: A shorter, more informal version of the name that may have been anglicized by some families in the diaspora. 7. Tenchu or Tanchu: These are less common and could be variations adapted to different languages and cultures.

Famous people with the last name Tincu

Notable individuals with the surname Tincu include: 1. Corneliu Tincu (born 1972), a Romanian professional footballer who played as a goalkeeper for teams such as Steaua București and Dinamo București. He also represented Romania in international competitions, including the UEFA Euro 1996. 2. Ioan Tincu (1805-1874), a Romanian politician who served as the Prime Minister of Moldavia from 1858 to 1859. He was instrumental in the reunification of Moldavia and Wallachia, leading to the formation of modern Romania. 3. Ioan Tincu (1926-2014), a Romanian composer and musicologist who specialized in folk and traditional music. He was a member of the Romanian Academy and received numerous awards for his contributions to music. 4. Tiberiu Tincu (born 1958), a Romanian rower who competed in the 1976 Summer Olympics, where he won a silver medal in the men's quadruple sculls event. He also participated in the 1980 and 1984 Olympics. These individuals have left significant impacts in their respective fields of sports, politics, and arts within Romania and beyond.

Genealogical research on the last name Tincu

The Tincu surname originates from Romania and has its roots in Transylvania. Historically, it was concentrated in regions such as Cluj and Mures counties. The name is believed to be of Romanian origin, possibly derived from the Latin "tinctus" meaning dyed or stained, suggesting a possible occupation related to dyeing fabrics or leather. Over time, the Tincu family spread across Romania due to migration patterns, particularly during the Ottoman rule and later industrialization periods. Notable figures bearing the Tincu surname include Gheorghe Tattarescu-Tinca, a notable scholar and politician in 19th century Romania, and contemporary artist Ioan Dumitru Tinculescu. Genealogical research on the Tincu family is ongoing, with many resources available online through databases like Ancestry, MyHeritage, and Findmypast.

Last name distribution maps

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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 : 13 June 2025

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