Origin and Meaning of Radu

Happy, joyful

Origin: Romanian - Derived from the Slavic word 'rad', which means 'happy' or 'joyful'. The name Radu has deep roots in Romanian history and is often associated with nobility.

• Radu is a historically significant name in Romania, with several rulers and notable figures bearing the name, including Radu the Great, a 15th-century prince.
• In contemporary Romania, Radu is a common given name and has been used since the Middle Ages.
• Radu has variations in other cultures, such as Radko in Czech and Radoslav in Slovak, which can also mean 'happy'.
• The name Radu has remained relatively stable in popularity within Romania, often ranking among the top names for boys.
• Famous individuals with the name include Radu Beligan, a celebrated Romanian actor and director, and Radu Mihăileanu, a noted film director.