A Compilation of One Hundred Croatian Surnames Along with Their Significances

In the rich tapestry of Croatian history, surnames hold a special place, reflecting the country's diverse cultural heritage. Here, we delve into the fascinating stories behind some common Croatian surnames.

The surname Lisic, for instance, is derived from the Albanian word 'lesh', meaning 'fur'. Orlic, on the other hand, originates from 'oroa', an element meaning 'eagle'. Kovacic, a patronymic last name, is derived from the word 'kovac', meaning 'blacksmith'.

Surnames like Kosar, meaning 'basket', refer to a person who sells or makes a basket. Nelipic, meaning 'son of Nelipac', has its origins in medieval Croatian history. Kupina, meaning 'blackberry', refers to the burning bush incident from the Book of Exodus.

Perovic is a patronymic surname, referring to the 'son of Pero'. Loncarevic, meaning 'the son of a potter', is derived from 'Loncar', meaning 'potter'. Kenzevic is a Croatian patronymic last name derived from 'knia', a Serbo-Croatian word meaning 'prince'.

Novak, meaning 'new', is derived from 'Novy', a Slavic origin word. It refers to a person who is new to the place or village. Milan, a habitational last name, refers to people originating from Milan, a city in Italy. Popovic is a patronymic last name referring to the 'son of a priest'.

Novosel is a name derived from 'nov' and 'selo', meaning 'new' and 'village'. It refers to a newcomer to a village. Ruzic is a popular Croatian surname derived from 'ruza', an element meaning 'rose'. Vincek is a surname derived from a Croatian name 'Vincent', meaning 'to conquer'.

Tripimirović is a surname meaning 'sons of Tripimir'. The name comes from the ruling dynasty of Croatia. Kravar is a Croatian-origin occupational name referring to a cow herder. Kokotovic is a Croatian surname of Slavic origins, meaning 'rooster'.

Kotarac is a toponymic Croatian surname referring to a person who is a resident or belongs to Kotar or a district. Kadijevic is a Croatian occupational surname derived from 'kadija', referring to a Sharia court judge. Koprivica is a Croatian surname meaning 'nettle'. This last name is the diminutive form of 'kopriva'.

Zidaric is a Croatian surname derived from 'zidar', meaning a 'stonemason' or 'bricklayer'. Kralj is a unique Croatian surname, meaning 'king', of Croatian, Serbian, and Bosnian origins. Pasalic is a last name derived from 'pasa', which means 'Pasha', referring to a high ranking officer.

Kolovrat is a Croatian surname derived from a Slavic symbol resembling a Swastik, referring to a 'spinning wheel'. Kis is a short Croatian surname, meaning 'winter', from the Turkish word 'kis'. The surname also has its origins in Hungarian language, and can mean 'small'.

Vukovic is a patronymic last name derived from the word 'Vuk', meaning 'wolf'. Moslavac is a habitational surname referring to a person from Moslavina, a region in Croatia. Maric is a Croatian surname meaning 'son of Marija'.

Sokic is a surname derived from 'Sokak', a Turkish word meaning 'street'. It also refers to the people living in Cernik region. Ribar is an occupational surname of Croatian origin meaning 'fisherman'. Loncar is a surname derived from 'lonac', a Serbo-Croatian element meaning 'potter'.

Mecava is a Croatian last name meaning a 'snowstorm'. Mestrovic is a Croatian surname derived from 'mestar', a Croatian-origin rare word for 'master'. The surname Josipovic means 'son of Josip' and was popularized by the former Croatian president, Ivo Josipovic.

Vitezic is a Croatian surname meaning 'son of a knight'. Kasun is a Croatian last name derived from 'kazati', meaning 'to command or to order'. Another variation of the surname is Kasunic.

Meaningful and old Croatian surnames often derive from patronymic forms, occupations, or historical tribal and noble origins; a common example is Nikolić, a patronymic surname derived from the personal name Nikola, itself from Greek origins meaning "victory of the people".

Serder is an occupational surname meaning 'leader' derived from the Turkish word 'Sardar'. Zrinski is a Croatian surname meaning 'people from Zrin', and is of Hungarian origin. Slavica is a last name derived from 'slava', a Slavic element meaning 'glory'.

Misic is a patronymic surname meaning 'son of Miso'. The name refers to a muscular person. Kacic is a Croatian surname derived from 'Kaca', a Croatian word meaning 'snake'. Jukic is a Croatian surname meaning 'son of Juko'.

Zubcic is a Croatian surname derived from 'zubic', a word meaning 'small tooth'. Kapetanovic is a Croatian occupational surname derived from the Croatian word 'kapetan', meaning 'captain'. Mogorovic is a surname of the noble families of Croatia, and refers to the 'son of Mogor'.

Medved is a Croatian surname meaning 'bear'. Radosevic is a last name of Croatian and Serbian origins referring to 'son of Rados'. Zadravec is a surname of Croatian and Serbian origins referring to a person who lives near the Drava river.

Lucic is a Croatian patronymic surname derived from 'Luka', a personal name meaning 'from Lucania'. Levic is a Croatian-origin last name derived from 'levo', which means 'left'. These surnames, like many others, continue to be a testament to Croatia's rich history and cultural diversity.