What is the origin of the last name Belovic?

The surname Belovic is of Slavic origin, specifically from the South Slavic region, including Croatia, Serbia, Bosnia, and Montenegro. It derives from the male given name "Beloslav" or "Beloslava", which translates to "white glory" in Old Slavonic languages. The surname often appears with various spelling variations due to differences in translation and migration.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Belovic

The meaning and origin of the last name Belovic

The surname Belovic is of Slavic origin, specifically from Eastern Europe, particularly Croatia, Serbia, Bosnia, Montenegro, and Macedonia. The name derives from the male given name Belo, which means "white" or "fair" in Slavic languages. The surname Belovic would have been originally formed as a patronymic, meaning it was derived from the father's name. For instance, if a man named Belo had a son, that son might take the surname Belovic, which means 'son of Belo'. In some cases, it could also be a locative surname, referring to someone who lived near a place associated with the name Belo.

Geographical distribution of the last name Belovic

The surname Belovic is predominantly of Croatian origin and is primarily found in regions with significant Croatian diaspora, such as Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Slovenia, and other areas that were once part of the former Yugoslavia. A notable concentration of the name can be found along the Dalmatian coast, a historical region in Croatia known for its large number of islands. Outside of Europe, communities with the Belovic surname can also be found in Australia, New Zealand, and North America, particularly in countries with immigration from the Balkan Peninsula. The distribution of the name suggests a historical connection to these areas and reflects the migration patterns of Croatian populations over time.

Variants and spellings of the last name Belovic

The surname Belovic can be found with various spelling variations, primarily due to differences in transliteration, regional dialects, and personal preference. Some common variants include:

1. Belovich (A phonetic version commonly used in English-speaking countries)
2. Bélović (The name in its original Croatian form with diacritics)
3. Bélovec (An alternate spelling, also seen among Croatians and other Slavic communities)
4. Belovicha (Feminine form, though it can also be spelled Belovichova or Belovica)
5. Bellovich (Phonetic variation with different orthography)
6. Bélovič (A variant in the Czech language)
7. Bełowicz (The Polish transliteration of the name)
8. Belovits (An abbreviated or informal version, often used as a nickname)
9. Belevic (A simplified spelling without diacritics, sometimes seen among immigrants)
10. Bélövich (A less common variation with a Hungarian-influenced spelling)

Famous people with the last name Belovic

Notable individuals with the surname Belovic include:

1. Goran Belovic, a Canadian professional ice hockey player who played for teams such as the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Florida Panthers.
2. Igor Belovic, a Croatian professional footballer who plays as a defender for NK Osijek in the Croatian First Football League.
3. Marijan Belovic, a Croatian historian, professor, and academic who served as the Rector of the University of Zagreb from 2013 to 2017.
4. Nikola Belovic, a Serbian professional footballer who plays as a defender for OFK Beograd in the Serbian SuperLiga.
5. Vesna Belovic, a Canadian actress known for her roles in television shows such as "The L Word," "Supernatural," and "Smallville."

Genealogical research on the last name Belovic

The Belovic surname is of Slavic origin, primarily found among Croatian and Serbian populations. It is derived from the male given name 'Belo', which means white in Old Slavic languages. The surname Belovic can be traced back to the Middle Ages in southeastern Europe.

Historical records show that the Belovic family originated from the region of Dalmatia, Croatia, during the 16th century. Over time, due to migration and expansion, Belovics are also found in other parts of Croatia, Serbia, Bosnia, and Montenegro.

Throughout history, the Belovic family played significant roles in their communities as traders, craftsmen, soldiers, and clergy. Notable individuals with this surname include Nikola Belovic (1896-1972), a Serbian painter, and Vlado Belovic (b. 1943), a Croatian film director.

Today, the Belovic family is scattered globally due to migrations in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with notable communities found in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United States. Genealogical research on this surname continues to uncover more information about its rich history and diverse descendants.

Last name distribution maps

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NomOrigine Team
About the author :

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.

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