Last Name Dragas

The last name Dragas (Драгас) is of Slavic origin and is primarily found among the South Slavic peoples, particularly among the Serbs, Croats, and Bulgarians. It is derived from a personal name, which in turn is thought to have been originally a byname meaning "dragon" or "powerful one". The name is also found in other Slavic languages with slight variations, such as Dragac (Драгац) in Croatian and Dragasov (Драгасов) in Bulgarian.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Dragas

The meaning and origin of the last name Dragas

The surname Dragas is primarily of Slavic origin, specifically associated with Eastern Europe, particularly Bulgaria and Serbia. It derives from the Slavonic word "drag" which means 'dear', 'precious' or 'valuable'. Over time, it has evolved into various spellings such as Dragasevic, Dragovich, Dragash, Dragazis, etc., reflecting regional dialects and historical migrations. The name may also be found in Greek communities due to historical connections and assimilation. Notably, the Dragas clan was one of the most powerful and influential families in medieval Bulgaria, contributing significantly to the country's political landscape. Today, the surname Dragas is widespread among Slavic populations, particularly in Bulgaria, Serbia, and the Balkan region.

Geographical distribution of the last name Dragas

The surname Dragas is predominantly found in southeastern Europe, particularly within the Balkan region. It has a significant concentration in Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Macedonia, Montenegro, and Slovenia, where it is frequently associated with the Slavic population. The name also appears in Romania, Bulgaria, and other areas of Southeastern Europe. A smaller number of people bearing the surname Dragas can be found in diaspora communities, particularly in Western Europe and North America. This distribution reflects historical migration patterns from the Balkans to other regions during the 19th and 20th centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Dragas

The surname Dragas has various spelling and pronunciation variations, reflecting its origin and evolution over time. Some common variants include Dragaš, Dragash, Dragacevic, Dragazis, Dragatzes, and Dragass. These variations may stem from differences in regional dialects, transliteration errors, or changes in family names over the centuries. The root of this name is likely Slavonic, derived from the word 'dragati' which means 'to love'. Notable persons with this surname include the Serbian medieval prince Stefan Dragutin and the Greek footballer Konstantinos Dragas. These spellings emphasize the rich historical background and cultural diversity associated with the surname Dragas.

Famous people with the last name Dragas

The Dragas surname is primarily associated with individuals of Serbian and Macedonian descent, given its origins from the medieval Slavic lands. Notable figures with this name include:

1. Dragan Dragas (born 1967), a Serbian former professional basketball player who played for the Yugoslav national team in the 1980s and 1990s, winning two Olympic gold medals in 1988 and 1992.

2. Goran Dragas (born 1974), a Macedonian actor known for his roles in numerous Macedonian films and TV series since the early 1990s. His notable works include "Marius et Juliette" and "Skopje, 632."

3. Ljubisa Dragas (born 1952), a Serbian-American physicist who made significant contributions to plasma physics, particularly in the field of magnetic confinement fusion. He worked extensively on the development of the National Spherical Torus Experiment (NSTX) at Princeton University's Plasma Physics Laboratory.

4. Marko Dragas (born 1985), a Macedonian basketball player who played professionally for various clubs in Europe, including KK Rabotnicki and KK Vardar. He represented the Macedonia national team at international competitions from 2010 to 2013.

Genealogical research on the last name Dragas

The surname Dragas has roots traced back to various regions across Europe, with significant populations found in Eastern Europe and the Balkan Peninsula. It is believed to have origins from Slavic tribes, particularly the Croats, Serbs, and Bulgarians. The name Dragas or Драгаш can be derived from a Slavic personal name, Dragoš, meaning "dear" or "beloved," or it could stem from a topographic name for someone who lived on a high, steep hill, as 'drag' means 'high' and 'as' means 'on.' Over time, the spelling and pronunciation have evolved due to migrations, assimilations, and various historical events. Notable individuals bearing this surname include Dragutin Dimitrijević Apis, a Serbian politician and military leader, and Dragoš Krsmanović, a Yugoslav footballer. The diversity and resilience of the Dragas name over centuries reflect its rich and complex history.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "dragas"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

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.
Last updated : 15 June 2025

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