Croatian Last Names: A Comprehensive Guide to Their Origins and Meanings

Croatian last names, also known as surnames, are a rich tapestry of history, culture, and language. They offer a glimpse into the country's past, revealing ancestral origins, occupations, and even personality traits. This comprehensive guide delves into the fascinating world of Croatian surnames, exploring their diverse meanings and etymological roots.
1. **Ačkar:** meaning "someone from the region of Ačko", a historical region in Croatia.
2. **Babić:** meaning "son of Baba", a common Croatian nickname for a grandfather or old man.
3. **Barišić:** meaning "son of Bariša", a Croatian variant of the name "Bartholomew".
4. **Begović:** meaning "son of Bego", a Turkish word for "lord" or "master".
5. **Božić:** meaning "Christmas", indicating the person was born around Christmas.
6. **Ćosić:** meaning "son of Ćoso", a nickname derived from the word "ćoso" meaning "bald".
7. **Čačić:** meaning "son of Čaća", a nickname derived from the word "čača" meaning "father".
8. **Ćorić:** meaning "son of Ćoro", a nickname meaning "black" or "dark".
9. **Dukić:** meaning "son of Duka", a Croatian variant of the name "Duke".
10. **Erceg:** meaning "archduke", a title used by rulers in Croatia.
11. **Fiolić:** meaning "son of Fiola", a Croatian variant of the name "Philip".
12. **Grgić:** meaning "son of Grga", a Croatian variant of the name "Gregory".
13. **Horvat:** meaning "Croatian", indicating the person's Croatian origin.
14. **Ivančić:** meaning "son of Ivan", a Croatian variant of the name "John".
15. **Jakšić:** meaning "son of Jakša", a Croatian variant of the name "Jacob".
16. **Janković:** meaning "son of Janko", a Croatian variant of the name "John".
17. **Jovanović:** meaning "son of Jovan", a Croatian variant of the name "John".
18. **Jurić:** meaning "son of Jura", a Croatian variant of the name "George".
19. **Kovačević:** meaning "son of Kovač", a blacksmith.
20. **Kraljević:** meaning "son of the king", indicating a royal lineage.
21. **Krstić:** meaning "son of Krsti", a Croatian variant of the name "Christ".
22. **Lukić:** meaning "son of Luka", a Croatian variant of the name "Luke".
23. **Marković:** meaning "son of Marko", a Croatian variant of the name "Mark".
24. **Matić:** meaning "son of Matija", a Croatian variant of the name "Matthew".
25. **Milić:** meaning "son of Mile", a Croatian variant of the name "Michael".
26. **Milošević:** meaning "son of Miloš", a Croatian variant of the name "Miloš".
27. **Novak:** meaning "new", indicating the person was a newcomer to the area.
28. **Perić:** meaning "son of Pero", a Croatian variant of the name "Peter".
29. **Petrović:** meaning "son of Petar", a Croatian variant of the name "Peter".
30. **Pilić:** meaning "son of Pili", a nickname meaning "young one" or "child".
31. **Popović:** meaning "son of Pop", a priest.
32. **Radić:** meaning "son of Radi", a nickname meaning "joyful" or "happy".
33. **Radović:** meaning "son of Rado", a nickname meaning "joyful" or "happy".
34. **Ristić:** meaning "son of Risto", a Croatian variant of the name "Christ".
35. **Šarić:** meaning "son of Šara", a nickname meaning "spotted" or "colorful".
36. **Simić:** meaning "son of Sima", a Croatian variant of the name "Simon".
37. **Stanić:** meaning "son of Stana", a Croatian variant of the name "Stanislaus".
38. **Stojanović:** meaning "son of Stojan", a Croatian variant of the name "Stephen".
39. **Štefanović:** meaning "son of Štefan", a Croatian variant of the name "Stephen".
40. **Tomić:** meaning "son of Toma", a Croatian variant of the name "Thomas".
41. **Vidović:** meaning "son of Vido", a nickname meaning "seeing" or "observant".
42. **Vukić:** meaning "son of Vuk", a wolf.
43. **Zorić:** meaning "son of Zora", a nickname meaning "dawn" or "morning".
44. **Žarković:** meaning "son of Žarko", a nickname meaning "fiery" or "passionate".