Instant Insights into Common Surnames in Croatia
Updated Article:
October 13, 2023 - Let's tackle the perplexing -ić in Croatian last names! Ever visited or met folks from Croatia? Chances are you've come across this enigma at the end of numerous surnames. Wonder no more! This article delves into the answers, demystifies the most common and rarest Croatian last names, and dishes out a dash of humor with some of the funniest ones.
Croatians stand out as the first Slavic nations to adopt last names, with records dating back to the 11th and 12th centuries in Dalmatian cities. For perspective, the oldest Russian surnames didn't come about until the 16th century[1].
The Great -ić Saga
You say -ić, I say patronymic marker! Similarly to Scandinavian countries, -ić is sort of a shorthand for someone's offspring, being a common suffix for diminutives. Thinking of yours truly, Anđelković stems from the Croatian word for angel, further proving nomen est omen[2].
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The Croatian naming system distinguishes four primary groups of surnames: those derived from personal names, nicknames, occupations, or geographical locations.
Sectoring the Peeps: Top Croatian Last Names
First name:
The undisputed reigning champ among Croatian last names is Horvat. If its bearers hail from Croatia, they're more likely to have Slavic roots, as the name alludes to their geographical origin. Interestingly, over 21,000 Croatians hold this surname, and Horvat is also popular in Hungary, Slovakia, and Slovenia[4]. If Horvat migrants fled before the Ottoman invasion, you might find similar surnames, like Novosel*, Novoselec, or Novak*, among more contemporary residents.
Ranking closely behind Horvat is Kovačević with just over 15,000 Croatians sporting the alias. Its roots trace to the Croatian word for locksmith, kovač. The other variants, such as Kovačić, Kovač, are also reasonably widespread.
Last name:
In line with the new arrivals are Babić, Marić, and Jurić, and the previously mentionedmigrants dodging the Ottomans: Knežević.
The legacy of Laughs: Bizarre Croatian Last Names
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Once you're familiar with the common ones, you're here for the downright peculiar versions of Croatian last names. Croatians have long nurtured what linguist Domagoj Vidović calls the mocking tradition. Many Croatian last names have their roots in humorous nicknames[3].
Male Female
Take the examples of Tupša, blunt and silly, or Sporko, slow. Vecernji cites a few more gems, such as Znaor, nosy and know-it-all, Žderić, voracious eater, Kenjalo, poopy, Bazdan, smelly, and so on.
According to the Srednja portal, more than 500 people go by the last name Papak, hoof, and over 50 sport Pićka, a derogatory name for cautionious, excessively nice males. For those seeking a bit of wicked humor, the portal also notes that 33 residents carry the last name Sotonica, better known as the Croatian version of little satan[2].
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- "The Origin of the -ic Suffix in Croatian," Croatian Language Institute's Portal Jezik, www.jesik.hr
- "Serbian Surnames," Serbian House, www.serbianhouse.com
- "Persian Influence on Place Names in Croatia," Encyclopedia of Islam, www.islam encyclopedia.com
- "Horvat (surname)," Wikipedia, www.wikipedia.org
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Discover the fun and humor behind Croatian surnames, which often come from nicknames that mock specific traits or characteristics. For instance, over 500 people have the last name 'Papak,' meaning 'hoof,' and 33 residents carry the name 'Sotonica,' aka the Croatian version of 'little satan.' The Croatian naming system also includes common surnames derived from personal names, occupations, geographical locations, and nicknames. Horvat, meaning 'from Croatia,' is the most common surname, followed closely by Kovačević, a variation of 'locksmith.'
In this fascinating exploration of Croatian surnames, we delve into the answers behind the perplexing -ić in Croatian last names, piece together the history of the great -ić saga, and provide a sneak peek into the lifestyles, fashion-and-beauty, food-and-drink, home-and-garden, and travel experiences of Croatia. Stay tuned for more articles on the unique aspects of this Slavic nation!
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