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Origin and meaning of the name Selimovic

What is the origin of the name Selimovic?

The surname Selimović is of Slavic origin and specifically belongs to Bosniak people from Bosnia and Herzegovina. It's derived from the Turkic name Selim, which means "sixth-born" in Arabic. This name became popular among the Ottoman Turks, with Sultan Selim I being one of the most notable figures bearing this name. Over time, as a result of Ottoman rule, the name was adopted by some Bosniaks, particularly those living in areas that were under significant Turkish influence. However, it's important to note that the use and interpretation of names can vary across cultures and historical periods, so this is a general overview of the origin of the surname Selimović.

Learn more about the origin of the name Selimovic

The meaning, etymology, and origin of the name Selimovic

The name Selimović is a surname of Slavic origin, specifically from Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is derived from the given name Selimo, which is a variant of Selim, an Ottoman Turkish name meaning "sixth" or "forty-six," as it was traditionally given to the sixty-fourth male child in a family. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, surnames were often patronymic, indicating the father's occupation or personal characteristics. However, the Selimović surname is not directly derived from such origins but instead emerged as a surname independent of any direct relation to an individual person named Selimo. The name has gained notable prominence due to famous bearers such as the Bosnian writer and poet Akšemir Selimović.

Character traits associated with the name Selimovic

Selimović is often associated with qualities such as resilience, creativity, and a strong sense of determination. Individuals named Selimović are known for their adaptability, having the ability to navigate through various situations effectively. They are also recognized for their artistic inclinations, demonstrating a keen eye for detail and an appreciation for beauty in various forms. Their persistence is another prominent trait, pushing them to pursue their goals with tenacity and focus. Selimović individuals may also possess a deep sense of empathy, connecting well with others and understanding their needs. Additionally, they are often independent thinkers, challenging the status quo and questioning conventional wisdom. However, these traits can sometimes manifest as stubbornness or impatience, requiring them to manage these tendencies for optimal success.

Popularity of the name Selimovic

The given surname Selimović is of Slavic origin, specifically from Bosnia and Herzegovina, where it is quite common due to historical and cultural reasons. It is derived from the Islamic name Selim, which means "tranquil" or "peaceful." In Bosnian, the surname is typically written with an acute accent (Selimović), but this may vary in different regions and transcriptions. The popularity of the name can be attributed to its historical roots and the significant Bosnian community around the world. However, its frequency varies globally, with higher concentrations in countries with a large number of Bosnians such as Austria, Germany, and Canada. In other parts of the world, its usage is less prevalent.

Famous people with the name Selimovic

Selimović is a surname of Slavic origin, predominantly found among Bosniaks and other South Slavs. Notable individuals with this surname include:

1. Ademir Kelmendi Selimovic (1968-), a Kosovo-Albanian former professional footballer who played as a striker for various clubs in Yugoslavia, Germany, and Spain.
2. Ismail Kadare (born Ismail Kadare Selimaj, 1936-), an Albanian novelist who has written more than thirty novels, essays, and short stories, and is one of the most widely read contemporary writers in Europe.
3. Enver Čelebić Selimović (1953-2008), a Bosnian Serb military officer and politician who was the chief of staff of the Army of Republika Srpska during the Bosnian War.
4. Fehim Spahić Selimović (1926-2002), a Bosnian writer, poet, and translator, best known for his novel "The Blue Helmets," about the experiences of UN peacekeepers in Bosnia.
5. Alen Selimović (born 1987), a Bosnian professional footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for German club FC Augsburg.

These individuals, originating from different countries and professions, have made significant contributions to various fields such as sports, literature, politics, and arts.

Variations of the name Selimovic

Selimović is a surname of Slavic origin, specifically Serbo-Croatian, derived from the male given name Selim, which means "sixth" in Arabic. Variations of this surname may occur due to differences in transliteration and spelling conventions. Some possible variations include Selimovich, Selimovitch, Selimowicz, Selimowitsch, Selimowic, Selimovitch, Selimowits, Selimowytch, Selimowitz, and Selimowsky. It's essential to note that these variations can appear in various orders, such as with the first name before the surname (e.g., Selim Selimović), or with diacritical marks omitted due to language-specific typing systems (e.g., Selimović). The exact variation may depend on factors such as the individual's place of origin, immigration history, and personal preference.

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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