Last Name Voiculescu

The surname Voiculescu has its roots in Romania. It is derived from the Romanian language and is a variant of the more common surname Vicolescu. Both names come from the old Slavonic word "vuch" or "voevoda," meaning prince, leader, or nobleman. The suffix "-esc(u)" is a typical Romanian patronymic ending, indicating descent from someone named Voicu. Over time, various spellings and pronunciations have emerged due to differences in local dialects and phonetic interpretation.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Voiculescu

The meaning and origin of the last name Voiculescu

The surname Voiculescu is a Romanian patronymic derived from the given name Voiță, which translates to "voice" or "sound" in English. This name is believed to have originated from a person known for his powerful voice or notable as a musician or singer. The term "-escu" is a common suffix in Romania, denoting a place of origin, making Voiculescu likely to be a habitational surname, indicating someone who lived near a location called Voița. It's important to note that the exact origins may vary, as many Romanian surnames have their roots in historical events, occupations, or geographical locations. The name has been documented since the late Middle Ages and is still present in Romania today.

Geographical distribution of the last name Voiculescu

The surname Voiculescu has its origins in Romania and is primarily concentrated in the southern part of the country, particularly in counties such as Constanța, Tulcea, and Brașov, which are located near the Black Sea and the Carpathian Mountains. The name also appears in smaller numbers in other parts of Romania and in some neighboring countries, such as Moldova, due to historical migrations. The diaspora of people with this surname can also be found in various countries worldwide, including Canada, the United States, Australia, France, and Germany, among others, primarily as a result of Romanian immigrants settling there.

Variants and spellings of the last name Voiculescu

The surname Voiculescu has several variations and spellings, stemming from its Romanian origin. Some common spelling variations include Voicu, Voiculescu-Bojor, Voiculesco, Voiculescu-Codreanu, Voiculescu-Golea, Voiculescu-Marin, Voiculescu-Matei, Voiculescu-Năstase, Voiculescu-Neacșu, Voiculescu-Roman, and Voiculescu-Vranceanu. These variations can occur due to differences in pronunciation or orthographic conventions within Romania, as well as inaccuracies in transliteration from Romanian to other languages. Additionally, some members of the family may have adopted slightly different spellings over time, leading to further variants. The Voiculescu family is a notable one in Romanian history, with many prominent figures hailing from it, including political leaders, intellectuals, and artists.

Famous people with the last name Voiculescu

The Voiculescu family has produced several notable figures in various fields. One of the most renowned is Mircea Eliade (1907-1986), a Romanian historian of religion, philosopher, and professor at Chicago, Harvard, and University of Chicago. He was a prominent figure in the study of comparative religion and mythology, and a key contributor to the development of religious studies as an academic discipline. Another significant figure is Tudor Voiculescu (1908-1977), a Romanian diplomat, author, and politician who served as Romania's ambassador to France and the United States. He was also a member of the Romanian National Council (the provisional government of Romania) during World War II. In the world of art, Ioanid Voiculescu (1893-1962), a Romanian painter, is celebrated for his work in modernist art and was a prominent figure in the Bucharest avant-garde. Lastly, Lucian Blaga (1895-1961), a prominent Romanian poet, philosopher, and writer, was also born into the Voiculescu family. His works are considered central to the development of modern Romanian literature and philosophy.

Genealogical research on the last name Voiculescu

The Voiculescu surname is of Romanian origin and is predominantly found within the Romania region. The name can be traced back to medieval times, where it is believed to have been derived from the Old Slavonic word "voyevoda," meaning a military leader or governor, indicative of the noble status held by some of the earliest bearers of this surname. One notable figure with the Voiculescu surname was Mihail Kogălniceanu, a 19th-century Romanian politician, writer, and journalist who played an instrumental role in Romania's unification and modernization. Genealogical research shows that the Voiculescu family expanded throughout various regions of Romania during the Middle Ages, with branches like Voiculescu de Argeș, Voiculescu de Buzău, and Voiculescu de Focșani emerging. The Voiculescu surname is still common in Romania today, reflecting its rich historical roots and enduring legacy.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Voiculescu"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

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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 : 15 June 2025

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