Romanian surnames often reflect the country's rich history and cultural influences. Many surnames are derived from personal names, occupations, or geographical locations. For example, names like Popescu come from the word "popa," meaning priest, while Ionescu indicates "son of Ion," a common first name in Romania. Additionally, Romanian surnames can reveal family lineage and heritage. The suffixes "-escu" and "-eanu" are common, denoting "son of" or "belonging to." This patronymic system highlights the importance of family connections in Romanian culture, making surnames a significant aspect of identity and social structure.