Last Name Vlasceanu

The surname "Vlasceanu" is of Romanian origin. It comes from the Old Romanian word "vlasac", meaning "Wallachian". Wallachia was a historical region in southeastern Romania, today known as Muntenia, which was originally inhabited by the Vlachs, a group of shepherds who spoke a Romance language and were not of Roman or Slavic descent. Over time, the surname "Vlasceanu" has been passed down through generations and is now common among people in Wallachia and other parts of Romania.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Vlasceanu

The meaning and origin of the last name Vlasceanu

The surname Vlasceanu is of Romanian origin, specifically from the historical region of Wallachia (Valahia in Romanian). It derives from the Old Romanian personal name "Vlăsc", which itself has Slavic roots and was popularized among the Romanian population during the Middle Ages. The name Vlasceanu is often found with the suffix "-anu", a common patronymic ending in Romania, denoting that it was originally a surname formed from a father's given name (in this case, Vlăsc). Over time, the spelling and pronunciation have been altered due to various historical influences and regional dialects. Today, the Vlasceanu surname can be found predominantly among Romanians, particularly those with roots in Wallachia.

Geographical distribution of the last name Vlasceanu

The surname Vlasceanu is predominantly found in Romania, with the highest concentration in regions such as Dambovita, Arges, and Teleorman, which are situated in southern and southwestern parts of the country. It is also present in smaller numbers in other areas of Romania and among Romanian diaspora communities around the world. The name may be more prevalent in certain villages or towns within these regions, suggesting a possible origin from a specific historical settlement or clan. However, due to the historic migrations and population shifts, variations and occurrences of the surname Vlasceanu can also be found in other countries like Moldova, Ukraine, and neighboring European nations, albeit at much lower frequencies.

Variants and spellings of the last name Vlasceanu

The surname Vlasceanu has several variations and spellings, including Vlașcănu, Vlașcan, Vlăscănu, Vlăscan, Vlascanu, and Vlascan. These variations are predominantly found among Romanian individuals. It's important to note that these differences can arise due to regional dialects, orthographic changes, and individual preferences in spelling. The correct spelling can often depend on the specific region of Romania where the family originates from, as well as the transcription system used for romanizing the name. For instance, some variations may result from using the older Ionicescu-Valerian orthography or the more modern, internationally standardized, and government-sanctioned Dudojilă orthography.

Famous people with the last name Vlasceanu

Notable individuals with the last name Vlasceanu include:

1. Mircea Vlasceanu (born 1946), a prominent Romanian writer and essayist, whose works often explore themes of memory, identity, and the human condition in post-communist Romania. His most famous works include "Istoria unui tâlmaciu" (Story of a Translator) and "Breviarul unui bătrân" (The Elder's Catechism).

2. Anca Vlasceanu (born 1985), a Romanian actress who has appeared in numerous films and television series, including "4 luni, 3 săptămâni și 2 zile" (4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days) by Cristian Mungiu, for which she won the Best Actress award at the Cannes Film Festival.

3. Lucian Vlasceanu (1895-1967), a Romanian architect known for his work on various public buildings in Bucharest, including the Palace of the National Bank of Romania and the University of Bucharest's Faculty of Architecture. His designs were heavily influenced by the Neoclassical and Art Deco styles.

Genealogical research on the last name Vlasceanu

The surname Vlasceanu originates from Romania and is predominantly found within the Romanian-speaking population. Historical records indicate that the name emerged during the Middle Ages, with early documented instances dating back to the 16th century in Wallachia, one of the three historical regions of Romania. The name Vlasceanu is a patronymic derived from the personal name Vlașcu or Vlăscă, which was borne by several individuals throughout Romanian history. Notable figures bearing the name include Ion Vlasicianu, a Romania-born author and poet who contributed to the development of modern Romanian literature in the 19th century. The geographical distribution of the Vlasceanu surname is predominantly concentrated in regions such as Muntenia, Oltenia, and Moldavia, although it can also be found in other parts of Romania. The name's popularity has remained relatively stable over time, with variations including Vlascean, Vlascescu, and Vlascan.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Vlasceanu"
• 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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