Vlahina

Vlahina is a Romanian topographic name and family name derived from Vlah, an archaic Romanian term for a "Vlach" or "Wallachian." Historically, Vlah was a broad term used to refer to Romanian-speaking populations, particularly those involved in pastoral activities in mountainous regions.

As a topographic name, Vlahina likely indicated an area inhabited or frequented by Vlachs/Romanians, or otherwise associated with them. Many places across Romania and surrounding regions where Romanians historically lived bear similar names reflecting this association.

As a surname, Vlahina would have originated as an ethnonymic surname, designating someone of Vlach (Romanian) descent, or originating from a place named Vlahina. The surname can be found, with variations, across the regions where Romanians have historically lived. The term and subsequent derived names can sometimes hold connotations connected with social standing related to pastoralism versus agriculture, or related to perceived differences in regional identity. These nuances vary geographically and historically.