My name is Daphne de Cernea, from New Mexico U.S.A.. I am seeking any information available regarding the name Cernea. I can only trace back to my grandfather, Edward de Cernea and my great grandfather, Albert de Cernea. The first de Cernea to come to the U.S. was orphaned and no one in the family knows his name or where he came from. He and his parents traveled in separate ships, to the U.S., and his parents were lost at sea. He was adopted by a Philadelphia Quaker family by the name of Cadwalleder who allowed him to keep his name. My family thinks that the name is French and people in New Mexico think it is Spanish. My inquiries tell me that Cernea is a purely Romanian name and the majority of Cerneas in Romania live in Calimanesti-Calciulata, (Valcea). It is possible that my branch of the Cernea family emigrated to France or Spain, prior to coming to the U.S., which might explain the addition of de to the name. My mother is 75 years old and when she dies the Cernea line in her branch of the family will die with her. We would deeply appreciate any information that would help us trace our roots back to Romania. Thank you!