The origin of Bucharest’s name remains one of the most fascinating and debated topics in the capital’s history. Situated between oral tradition and linguistic research, the story sits at the crossroads of myth and reality, bringing together both romantic interpretations and academic explanations.

The legend of the shepherd Bucur

The most popular explanation comes from folklore. According to legend, the city was named after a shepherd called Bucur, who lived on the banks of the Dâmbovița River. He is said to have built a small wooden church—known today as “Bucur Church”—and to have given his name to the settlement around it. Although historical sources do not confirm the existence of this figure, the legend holds symbolic significance: it suggests the city’s humble beginnings and its link to spirituality and pastoral life.

The hypothesis connected to the word “joy”

Another interpretation, with an unmistakably romantic note, derives the city’s name from the Romanian word bucurie (“joy”). In this view, Bucharest would have been “the place of joy”—whether due to the beauty of the landscape or the abundance of the region. Chronicles and literary works from past centuries reinforced this association, shaping a poetic image of the capital.

Slavic origin

Beyond legendary or popular explanations, linguists propose a more rigorous theory: the name may come from the Slavic terms buk (beech) or bukura (beautiful). In the Middle Ages, Slavic languages strongly influenced Wallachia, and place names with such roots are common. If this hypothesis is correct, Bucharest would have originally meant “beautiful place” or “beech forest.”

The first historical attestations

Regardless of the chosen interpretation, medieval documents attest to the name “Bucharest” as early as the 15th century. The first official mention appears in 1459, in a charter issued by Vlad Țepeș, confirming the city as a princely residence. From that moment, the name became firmly established and has not undergone major changes over the centuries.

One name, one identity

Today, the name “Bucharest” carries within it the imprint of all these interpretations. Whether it evokes the legendary shepherd, the idea of joy, or Slavic linguistic influences, it reflects the complexity of the capital’s identity: a place where myth, history, and language intertwine. In a way, the very ambiguity of its origin adds a layer of mystery to a metropolis that is constantly reinventing itself.