NomOrigine Background

Last Name Erceg

What is the origin of the last name Erceg?

The last name Erceg is of Croatian origin. It is a common surname in Croatia and is derived from the Croatian word "erceg" which means "duke" or "prince." The name likely originated as a title or nickname for someone who held a position of authority or nobility.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Erceg

The meaning and origin of the last name Erceg

Erceg is a Croatian surname that is derived from the word "erc" which means noble or warrior in the Croatian language. It is believed to have originated from the Slavic tribal name "Ercegi" which was used to denote a group of warriors or knights. The surname likely first appeared in the region of Croatia and spread to other areas of the Balkans over time. The Erceg surname is still relatively common in Croatia today, particularly in the regions of Dalmatia and Herzegovina. The name signifies a sense of honor, strength, and nobility, reflecting the historical significance of warriors and knights in Croatian culture.

Geographical distribution of the last name Erceg

The last name Erceg is primarily found in Croatia, particularly in the regions of Dalmatia and Slavonia. It is a fairly common surname in the country, with a significant concentration in the capital city of Zagreb as well. Outside of Croatia, the name can also be found in neighboring countries such as Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, and Slovenia, reflecting the historical ties between these nations. The Erceg surname is of Croatian origin and is believed to have originated from the Croatian word "ercež," which refers to a type of grape. As such, it is likely that many individuals with this last name have roots in the agriculture or wine-making industries. Overall, the geographical distribution of the last name Erceg is centered in Croatia but also extends to other countries in the Balkan region.

Variants and spellings of the last name Erceg

The last name Erceg can have several variations and spellings, including Erseg, Ercig, Erzeg, Ercek, Erscheg, Ersek, and Ershag. These variations may have originated from different regions or dialects, leading to discrepancies in the spelling of the surname. The name Erceg is most commonly found in Croatia and is of Croatian origin. It is believed to have derived from the word "erceg," meaning duke or prince in the Croatian language. Over time, the name may have undergone changes in spelling as it was passed down through generations or as individuals migrated to different countries. Regardless of the specific spelling variation, Erceg remains a distinct and notable surname with a rich history and cultural significance in Croatia.

Famous people with the last name Erceg

One of the most well-known individuals with the last name Erceg is Ivana Erceg, a Croatian actress who has appeared in numerous films and television shows. She has gained recognition for her talent and striking performances, earning her a dedicated fan base both in Croatia and internationally. Another notable figure with the surname Erceg is Ante Erceg, a professional basketball player from Croatia. He has played for various teams in Europe and has achieved success in his career, earning accolades and accolades for his skill on the court. Both Ivana and Ante Erceg have made significant contributions to their respective fields, showcasing the talent and determination that runs in the Erceg family.

Genealogical research on the last name Erceg

The surname Erceg is of Croatian origin and is derived from the personal name Erceg, meaning "duke" or "prince." The Erceg family can trace its roots back to the medieval duchies of Croatia where they held positions of nobility and influence. Over the centuries, the Erceg name spread throughout the regions of Dalmatia, Herzegovina, and Bosnia, with branches of the family taking on different titles and roles within the community. Today, the Erceg surname can still be found primarily in Croatia, Serbia, and surrounding countries, with some members of the family having emigrated to other parts of Europe and the Americas. Genealogical research on the Erceg family has uncovered a rich history of leadership, tradition, and cultural heritage that continues to be passed down through the generations.

Last name distribution maps

Chargement de la carte...

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 : 10 June 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends

Search the origin of a family name

Enter the surname you are looking for below:

Similar Last Names

Ercaliskan (Last name)

surnames > ercaliskan

The last name "Ercaliskan" appears to have Turkish origins. The prefix "Er" is a common Turkish given name component, meaning "brave" or "strong." The second part, "Caliskan," is a...

Erchamz (Last name)

surnames > erchamz

The surname "Erchamz" is of Armenian origin. It is believed to be derived from a place name or a personal name.

Erchied (Last name)

surnames > erchied

The last name "Erchied" does not have a widely known origin or meaning in English. It is possible that it could be a rare or unique surname with a specific cultural or regional bac...

Ercillo (Last name)

surnames > ercillo

The surname Ercillo is of Spanish origin. It is a habitational name derived from the place name Ercillo, which is located in the province of Burgos in northern Spain.

Erco (Last name)

surnames > erco

The last name "Erco" is likely of Turkish origin. It is a Turkish surname derived from the Turkish word "er" meaning "brave, soldier" and the suffix "-co" which is common in Turkis...