What is the origin of the last name Bulatovic?

Bulatović is a Slavic surname of Serbian and Montenegrin origin. The name is derived from a personal name Bulata, which was a shortened form of Bulgar-oslavic names like Bulgar-slav, Bulgar-sav, or Bulgar-volodislav, all of which are based on the Turkic personal name Bulgar (meaning "strong" or "brave"). The suffix "-ović" in Slavic surnames indicates that it belongs to a descendant. Thus, Bulatović can be translated as "descendant of Bulata".

Learn more about the origin of the last name Bulatovic

The meaning and origin of the last name Bulatovic

The surname Bulatović is of Slavic origin, specifically Serbo-Croatian, derived from the male given name Bulata. The name Bulata is believed to be an older form of the name Bulgar, which means "strong" or "brave" in several Slavic languages. It's important to note that surnames in this region often originated from a person's occupation, geographical location, or a distinguishing physical characteristic. The addition of the suffix "-ović" is a common Slavic patronymic, indicating that the original bearer was the son of someone named Bulata. Over time, the name has been spelled and pronounced slightly differently in various transcriptions of the Cyrillic alphabet used in Serbia and other neighboring countries.

Geographical distribution of the last name Bulatovic

Bulatović is a Slavonic surname predominantly found in South Eastern Europe, specifically in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, and Serbia. Historically, it originated as a patronymic name derived from the male given name Bulata, which is a variant of the Slavic name Bulat, meaning "strong" or "brave". In Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulatović is most common in the regions of Herzegovina and the Sarajevo Canton. In Montenegro, it ranks among the top 100 most frequent surnames, with a high concentration in the area of Podgorica and Herceg Novi. In Serbia, it can be found across various provinces, though it is less common compared to its frequency in Bosnia and Montenegro. The geographical distribution of Bulatović mirrors the historical migration patterns of the Slavic peoples in the Balkans, reflecting the name's deep roots in South Eastern Europe.

Variants and spellings of the last name Bulatovic

The surname Bulatović can be found with various spelling variations due to differences in transliteration and regional dialects. Some common variations include Bulatovic, Bulatovitch, Bulatovich, and Bulatovič. These differences arise from the use of different Latin-based alphabets, such as the Cyrillic, Latin, and Greek scripts, in various regions where the name originated. The surname is predominantly of Slavic origin, most commonly found among South Slavic peoples, particularly those of Serbian, Croatian, Montenegrin, and Bosnian descent. It is derived from the given name Bulata, a diminutive form of Bulgar or Bolko, both meaning "strong" in Slavic languages.

Famous people with the last name Bulatovic

Notable individuals with the surname Bulatović include:

1. Predrag Bulatović (born 1962), a former Yugoslav and Montenegrin military officer, best known as one of Slobodan Milošević's closest allies during the Yugoslav Wars.

2. Nikola Bulatović (born 1975), a Serbian professional basketball coach and former player who played at both the small forward and power forward positions. He has coached several notable European teams.

3. Goran Bulatović (born 1964), a Montenegrin politician who served as the Minister of Health from 2003 to 2006 in the government of Prime Minister Milo Đukanović.

4. Ivan Bulatović (1893-1959), a Serbian lawyer and politician, known for his service during World War II as the leader of the Chetnik forces in the Sandžak region.

These individuals have made significant contributions to various fields such as politics, military, and basketball, reflecting the diverse accomplishments of people with the Bulatović surname.

Genealogical research on the last name Bulatovic

The Bulatović surname is primarily found in Bosnia and Montenegro, with origins dating back to the Middle Ages. It is derived from the personal name Bulata or Bulat, which means "strong" in Slavic languages. The Bulatović family is believed to have originated from the region of Zeta, a historical area located in modern-day Montenegro. Over time, branches of the family migrated and settled across Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, and Croatia. Notable individuals with the Bulatović surname include Petar Bulatović, a Montenegrin politician who served as Prime Minister from 2016 to 2018, and Miloš Bulatović, a Serbian painter known for his works in the late 19th century. The family's genealogical research continues to be a topic of interest among scholars studying Slavic history and lineage.

Last name distribution maps

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NomOrigine Team
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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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