Surname Mihai - Meaning and Origin

Mihai: What does the surname Mihai mean?

Mihai is a Romanian surname, derived from the given name Mihai which is the Romanian form of the name Michael. It can also be found as a surname in other countries in Eastern Europe, such as Moldova and Bulgaria, where Romanian culture has had an influence.

The name Michael has its origins in Hebrew, and means 'Who is like God?', implying its bearer has qualities that are comparable to God, such as strength and courage. This meaning is likely to carry over into the Romanian form of Mihai, and bearers of the surname may be seen to have the same qualities.

Mihai is also likely to be an occupational surname, likely originating from the occupation of blacksmith, as blacksmiths were often known as 'Mihai' in Romania. This is especially true if the surname was adopted by someone from outside Romania, and who had an occupation which required skills similar to a blacksmith.

Regardless of the origin of the surname, it seems to be a strong and meaningful name, with admirable qualities bestowed by its bearers. It is likely a source of pride for those who share it, and it could be a reminder of its bearers to strive to achieve great things and maintain a quality that honors their name.

Mihai: Where does the name Mihai come from?

The last name Mihai is most commonly found in Romania, which is its country of origin. The Romanian version of the name is spelled Mihai but may be spelled differently in other countries due to regional pronunciation andvariations in alphabet. In Romania, the Mihai surname is widely prevalent in households. It is estimated that over nine and a half thousand people in Romania share the same last name.

The Mihai surname has also been found to have spread to other parts of Eastern Europe, including Bulgaria and Ukraine, although its presence is much more sparse. Additionally, a few people bearing the Mihai surname can also be found in cities in the United States, including New York City, Los Angeles and Chicago.

As the name Mihai is of Romanian origin, its approximate English translation is "Michael." It is a name of biblical origin, deriving from Hebrew and its origins meaning "who is like God." The name is popular among a wide range of cultures.

In Romania, the Mihai family name is widely respected, as it is deeply rooted in the communities of the country. Its origin is often attributed to the king known as Michael I of Romania, who ruled during the 1700s. The name is today associated with the notion of leadership and strong moral values.

Variations of the surname Mihai

The surname Mihai is an ancient Romanian one, derived from the given name ‘Mihail’. It is thought to have originated in the Mihai region of Transylvania in Romania. Various variants of the surname exist and are found in neighbouring countries, as well as in the countries where those who have emigrated new roots as part of the diaspora of Eastern European migrant communities.

Variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin for Mihai include:

Mehia/ Mehyah/ Mehiah: this variant is most commonly used in countries such as France, Spain, and Romania.

Mehie/Meyeh/Mehyeh: this variant is most commonly used in Egypt/ Northern Africa and in some parts of the Middle East.

Mihaly: this variant is the Hungarian equivalent of Mihai, and it is usually found in Hungary, Romania, Serbia, and Austria.

Mihailov / Mihailovs: this variant is most commonly found in Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine.

Mihaileanu: this variant is most commonly used in Romania.

Migean / Mygean: this variant is most commonly used in the United Kingdom.

Mihailovich: this variant is most commonly used in Serbia and Bosnia.

Mihailovski: this variant is most commonly used in Russia, Ukraine, and Poland.

Finally, variations of Mihail or Mihaylo, like Mikhaylov, Miyata, Mihaylov, and Mykhal are also found in some parts of the world where the influence of Eastern European cultures is evident.

In conclusion, the surname Mihai has many variants and spellings, as well as numerous surnames of the same origin, thanks to its diverse regional dispersal.

Famous people with the name Mihai

• Mihai I of Romania: Mihai I, also known as Mihai the Brave, was the last King of Romania, reigning from 1927 to 1930.
• Mihai Eminescu: Mihai Eminescu was a romantic poet, essayist, and novelist of the late 19th century. He is commonly regarded as Romania's greatest national poet, and his work is considered essential to Romanian literature.
• Mihai Alexandru: Mihai Alexandru was a Romanian painter known for his portraiture. He was a member of the Royal Academy of Romania and was decorated for his work.
• Mihai Razvan Ungureanu: Mihai Razvan Ungureanu was Prime Minister of Romania 2001: 2004 before becoming Foreign Minister of Romania in 2009.
• Mihai Niculescu: Mihai Niculescu, also known as Mircea Ionescu-Quintus, was a Romanian politician, who held the office of Prime Minister from March 1965 to April 1967.
• Mihai Ralea: Mihai Ralea was a literary theorist and editor in Romania best known for his works in Sociology, Marxism, and Psychoanalysis.
• Mihai Ghenea: Mihai Ghenea is a Grammy award-winning producer and studio engineer, who has worked with artists such as Drake, Rihanna, The Weeknd, Adele, Calvin Harris, Bruno Mars, and many more.
• Mihai Boicu: Mihai Boicu is a Romanian-born actor and writer who appeared in The Adjustment Bureau and The Expendables 3.
• Mihai Eminescu: Mihai Eminescu was a Romanian poet of the late 19th century, and is widely regarded as one of the most significant figures of Romanticism in Romanian literature.
• Mihai Tudose: Mihai Tudose was a Romanian Prime Minister between 2017 and 2018.

Other surnames

MihailescuMihalache