Last Name Ursu

The surname Ursu originates from Romania. It is derived from the Old Romanian word "urs," meaning bear. This surname was likely originally a nickname for someone who was large and powerful, similar to a bear. In some cases, it may also have been a metonymic occupational name for a keeper of bears or a bear-trainer, as in medieval times, bears were used in battles and shows.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Ursu

The meaning and origin of the last name Ursu

The surname Ursu is of Romanian origin, derived from the Old Church Slavonic word "ursus," which means "bear" in Latin. The name was often given to individuals who lived near areas inhabited by bears or were associated with them in some way, such as bear hunters or hermits living in remote mountainous regions. In Romania, it is a common surname and can be found among various ethnic groups. Over time, variations of the name have emerged in other countries due to migration and assimilation, such as Urs in German-speaking regions and Orsu in Slavic languages. The name Ursu signifies a connection to nature or bravery, symbolized by the strong and fearless bear.

Geographical distribution of the last name Ursu

The surname Ursu is predominantly found in Romania, where it originates from. It is one of the most common last names in Moldova, a region historically part of Romania. Outside Romania, the name can also be found among Romanian diaspora communities in various countries such as Canada, the United States, and Australia, due to emigration in the 20th century. In some instances, the name may appear in other Eastern European countries, particularly those with historical ties to Romania, but its frequency is significantly lower compared to Romania and Moldova.

Variants and spellings of the last name Ursu

The surname Ursu has several variations and spellings, largely due to differences in transliteration from Romanian to English. Some common variants include Orsu, Ursus, Orsù, Orsso, Oorsu, Ourso, and Uhrso, among others. These variations may arise due to regional dialects, historical changes, or personal preference. It is important to note that the correct spelling can depend on factors such as the individual's ethnic origin and migration history. In Romanian, the surname Ursu comes from the word for "bear" and is a common name in Romania.

Famous people with the last name Ursu

Notable individuals with the surname Ursu include:

1. Ion Ursu (born 1942), a Romanian politician who served as Minister of Transportation and Communications from 1996 to 1998.
2. Cornel Ursu (born 1975), a Romanian former footballer who played as a goalkeeper for clubs such as Steaua București, Dinamo București, and Rapid București, as well as the Romania national team.
3. Marius Ursu (born 1984), a Romanian athlete specializing in the shot put. He won a silver medal at the 2016 Summer Olympics and has held the world's best throw multiple times.
4. Ioan Ursu (1924-1953), a Romanian folk singer who was known for his deep voice and traditional repertoire. Despite his brief career, he remains an important figure in Romanian music.

Genealogical research on the last name Ursu

The surname Ursu originates from Romania and is derived from the Romanian word "urs," which means bear. Historically, it has been a common patronymic name, indicating a relationship to the bearer of the given name Urs or its variants.

Ursus appears to have several distinct branches within Romania, with some tracing their roots to Transylvania and others to Moldavia and Wallachia. Notable figures bearing the surname Ursu include Romanian painter Nicolae Grigorescu and politician Alexandru Ursu-Nicola.

Genealogical records suggest that the surname spread across various regions of Romania throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, with many migrating to other countries in subsequent years. In the United States, a significant number of Ursus immigrants settled in California during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Ursu is currently ranked as one of the most common surnames in Romania, with an estimated population of over 50,000 bearers worldwide. Genealogical research into this name can be challenging due to its widespread distribution and multiple branches, but resources such as Romanian archives, censuses, and online databases can provide valuable insights for family historians.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Ursu"
• 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 : 28 July 2025

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