Swift Overview of Common Croatian Surnames
Title: The Unveiling of Croatia's Fascinating, Endless -ić Journey
October 13, 2023 - If you've ever crossed paths with a Croatian or visited this breathtaking country, you've likely come face-to-face with a peculiar characteristic in their last names. You guessed it, my friend - it's that ever-present -ić**, with its varied spellings and pronunciations, standing defiantly at the end of countless names. We've got you covered as we delve into the roots of these aliases, highlight the most prevalent and peculiar Croatian last names, and provide you with a hearty chuckle or two!
Curious, aren't we? Well, you're in luck! The Croatian language has its roots in the South Slavic language family, and its members just so happen to share the same intriguing suffix. You see, -ić is akin to a red thread that spans the Nordic countries, tracing descent and diminutives, a charming, old trick to let people know that maybe you're junior, petite, and beyond adorable, or all at once. How delightful! Take my surname, Anđelković, for instance; it stems from the Croatian word for angel. Guess that explains my saintly demeanor and radiant smile!
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Now, while -ić is the most widespread, it's hardly the only tale-spinner. According to Croatian onomastics (the study of proper names), there are four primary categories of Croatian surnames: names derived from a personal name, nickname, occupation, or geographical origin.
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Without further ado, let's take a gander at the cream of the Croatian surnames. Drumroll... The hands-down winner is the indomitable Horvat! A testament to their roots, the name is often found in Hungary, Slovakia, and Slovenia as well. Believe it or not, estimates show that there are over 21,000Horvats in Croatia! It's thought that bearers of the surname Horvat are descendants of settlers who fled to evade the Ottoman invasion. Others, like Novosel, Novoselec, and Novak**, share a similar historical journey.
Trailing close behind is the hardworking Kovačević; it springs from the Croatian word for locksmith, kovač. You can bet that numerous variations of this noble profession's namesake, like Kovačić and Kovač, are prevalent as well. Costermongers, princes, and blasphemous angels all get a shoutout with Babić, Marić, and Jurić, respectively, followed by the novis (new guys), and knežević (prince or earl).
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Now, they wouldn't call them the wackiest Croatians for nothing! As soon as you start recognizing the more ordinary names, you'll crave a taste of the weird and wild. And you've come to the right place! According to the esteemed Croatian linguist Domagoj Vidović, as Danas recounts, Croatians have embraced a rich, sarcastic tradition, spawning countless amusing surnames.
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Behold: Tupša (blunt, foolish), Sporko (slow), Znaor (curious, know-it-all), Žderić (voracious eater), Kenjalo (scat), Bazdan (ripe, rotten), Nudeslić (half-naked, exposed), Papak (cautious, overly sweet male person), Pička (derogatory for a female person, a direct translation for "pussy"), and Sotonica (little satan). Now that's a mixed bag!
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With 33 budding little satans in Croatia, it's almost a miracle there aren't more angelic beings wandering the streets with names like Anđelković. To put things in perspective, they are outnumbered by nearly 500 Papaks and over 50 Pičkas. But hey, the fun's in the journey, right?
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- Experiencing Croatia's diverse and captivating lifestyle, try exploring its fashion-and-beauty, food-and-drink, home-and-garden, and travel sectors for an enriching journey.
- If you're intrigued by the unique Croatian last names, immerse yourself in their relationships and even adopt a pet while embracing the vibrant local culture.
- After visiting the stunning Croatian cities, consider shopping for souvenirs and perhaps even a new car to reflect your enduring love for the country.
- As you reminisce about your travels, share your Croatian experiences and love for its peculiar surnames like Babić, Kovačević, and Anđelković with friends and family.
