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Origin and meaning of the name Mihajlo

What is the origin of the name Mihajlo?

Mihajlo is a Serbian form of Michael, which has Greek origins. The name Michael comes from the Hebrew name מִיכָאֵל (Mikha'el), meaning "who is like God?" or "resembling God." The name became popular in Greece and was later adopted by various Slavic languages, including Serbian, where it is pronounced as Mihajlo.

Learn more about the origin of the name Mihajlo

The meaning, etymology, and origin of the name Mihajlo

Mihajlo is a Slavic given name, predominantly used in Southeastern Europe, particularly among Serbs and Croats. The name has roots in Old Slavonic language and is derived from Michael, the archangel venerated in Christianity. In Greek, Michael means "who is like God?" The name Mihajlo is a variant of the Greek name Michael, reflecting its adoption into the Slavic linguistic and cultural sphere. It has been historically prominent in regions such as Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia, and Montenegro, where it is often used in honor of Saint Michael the Archangel, who plays a significant role in Eastern Orthodox Christianity and Roman Catholicism. The name Mihajlo carries connotations of strength, bravery, and divine protection.

Character traits associated with the name Mihajlo

Mihajlo, a Slavic name derived from Michael, is traditionally associated with several positive character traits. Known for being brave and strong, Mihajlo is often depicted as a protector and defender. He is also characterized by wisdom and intelligence, demonstrating a keen understanding of complex situations and problems. Loyalty and honesty are other qualities frequently attributed to Mihajlo, making him a trusted friend and ally. Additionally, he is known for his resilience and determination, often persevering through adversity with a steadfast spirit. However, like any name, the personality traits associated with Mihajlo can vary greatly depending on individual experiences and upbringing.

Popularity of the name Mihajlo

Mihajlo is a Serbian variant of Michael, a name with significant historical and cultural roots, particularly in Slavic countries. The popularity of the name Mihajlo varies across regions but has traditionally been relatively high in Serbia and other Balkan countries. In recent years, according to various baby name databases, Mihajlo has consistently ranked among the top 20 most popular names for boys in Serbia. The name's popularity can be attributed to its strong cultural associations, as well as its historical significance, given that it is borne by several important figures in Serbian history and mythology. However, the exact popularity of the name Mihajlo may fluctuate slightly from year to year due to various factors such as changing trends and demographic shifts.

Famous people with the name Mihajlo

Mihailo (or Michael) is a name with significant historical and cultural importance, particularly in Slavic regions. Notable individuals bearing this name include:

1. Mihailo Petrović-Njegoš (1847–1935), the Prince-Bishop of Montenegro, known for his literary works and contributions to Montenegrin nationalism. He was also a key figure in the Montenegrin–Ottoman War (1876–1878).

2. Mihailo Apostolski (born 1957), a former Macedonian tennis player who won the French Open mixed doubles title in 1983 with Martina Navratilova.

3. Mihailo Mihajlović (1926–2016), a Serbian football coach who led Red Star Belgrade to numerous domestic and international titles, including the UEFA Champions League in 1991.

4. Mihailo Djurkovic (born 1957), a Serbian-American physicist known for his work on nuclear fusion research at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. He is also a recipient of the MacArthur Fellowship.

Variations of the name Mihajlo

Mihajlo is a Slavic given name, originating from the Serbian and Macedonian language. It is derived from the Old Slavonic name Michailo, which is the Slavic version of the biblical name Michael. In various forms, it can be found in different languages:

1. Михайло (Mihajlo) - This is the standard Serbian and Macedonian form of the name. It's also commonly spelled as Mihailo or Mihajlo in English transliteration.
2. Mihael (Михаел) - This is a slightly more formal variant, often used in written works and official documents in Serbia and Macedonia. In some countries, it's also spelled Michael in the English language.
3. Mihal (Михал) - A shortened version of Mihajlo, which is more commonly used in casual conversation or everyday life. It's less formal compared to the standard and formal variants.
4. Мики (Miki) - This is a common nickname or diminutive form of Mihajlo, particularly among friends and family. It's often used as a standalone name in some contexts.
5. Misha (Миша) - Another popular nickname for Mihajlo, often associated with Russian names due to its usage there, but also used in Serbia and other Slavic countries.

Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 29 July 2025

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