NomOrigine Background

Last Name Grbic

What is the origin of the last name Grbic?

The surname Grbic is of Croatian origin. It is derived from a topographic name for someone who lived near a grove or wood, or from a habitational name from any of several places so named, primarily in Croatia. The word "grb" in Croatian means "shield," which could refer to a place with a notable emblem or coat of arms. As with many surnames, it was originally a nickname for someone who had a distinctive physical feature, lived near a notable landmark, or belonged to a particular occupation.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Grbic

The meaning and origin of the last name Grbic

The surname Grbic is of Croatian origin, derived from the Croatian word "grb" which means coat of arms or heraldic shield. It is one of several surnames that originated from the use and display of family coats of arms in medieval times. The name was often given to a member of a family who was responsible for the creation, care, or maintenance of the family's coat of arms. The surname Grbic has been widely distributed among Croatian communities, both domestically and abroad, particularly in countries with significant Croatian immigrant populations such as Australia and the United States.

Geographical distribution of the last name Grbic

The surname Grbic is primarily distributed across several regions within Eastern Europe and Southeastern Europe, with significant concentrations in Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Serbia. It is also found in smaller numbers in neighboring countries such as Slovenia, Montenegro, and Macedonia. Additionally, the Grbic surname has a presence in diaspora communities, notably in Western Europe, North America, Australia, and New Zealand, where Croatian, Bosnian, and Serbian immigrants have settled. The name is derived from the Slavic word "grb" which means "shield", indicating an occupational or geographical origin associated with heraldry or protective craftsmanship.

Variants and spellings of the last name Grbic

The surname Grbic possesses multiple variants and spellings due to differences in transliteration and regional pronunciation. Some common variations include:

1. Grbic - the standard Croatian spelling, derived from the Serbo-Croatian language.
2. Grobic - an alternate spelling, particularly found among people of Croatian or Serbian descent who may have Anglicized their surname for ease in a non-Slavic speaking environment.
3. Grblic - a Slovenian variant of the surname.
4. Grubic - another variant that could arise from differences in spelling due to dialectical pronunciation or errors during transcription.
5. Grbich - a less common but still possible variation, which may occur as an intentional or unintentional alteration of the original spelling.
6. Grohbic - a rare version of the surname that can be found among immigrants who have assimilated into Western cultures and adapted their names accordingly.
7. Grubitch - another Anglicized variation, usually pronounced with a more English-sounding "ch" rather than the soft "ch" sound in Croatian or Serbian.
8. Grohbitch - a combination of two Anglicized versions, less common but still possible.

Famous people with the last name Grbic

Notable individuals with the surname Grbic include:

1. Vlado Grbic (born 1937), a Serbian American mechanical engineer who is a Fellow of the National Academy of Engineering for his contributions to the development and application of advanced diagnostic methods in automotive engines.

2. Miroslav Grbic (born 1946), a Croatian mathematician known for his work on algebraic geometry, complex analysis, and several complex variables. He is a member of the Serbian Academy of Sciences and Arts.

3. Marko Grbic (born 1985), a Serbian footballer who plays as a defender for FK Mladost Lučani in the Serbian SuperLiga.

4. Ivan Grbic (born 1976), a Canadian actor, known for his role as Detective Kendall in the television series The X-Files.

5. Zoran Grbic (1938–2021), a Serbian politician who served as the Minister of Construction and Urban Planning from 2014 to 2016, and again from 2017 to 2020.

Genealogical research on the last name Grbic

The Grbic surname is primarily of Slavic origin, specifically Croatian, and derives from the occupation-based name "grbac," meaning 'stake bearer' or 'one who carries a banner.' This name was often given to military officials who carried banners or standards into battle. The Grbic family has a rich history in Croatia, with roots tracing back to the Middle Ages. Many Grbics were knights and noblemen during the Medieval period. The name spread beyond Croatia due to migrations and displacements throughout history. In the United States, for example, the Grbic family arrived in the 19th century during the mass immigration from Eastern Europe. Notable figures with this surname include Ivan Grbic, a Croatian painter, and Mladen Grbic, a prominent historian of Croatia.

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 : 29 July 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

Grbc (Last name)

surnames > grbc

The last name "Grbc" is of Croatian origin. It is derived from the word "grb," which means coat of arms in Croatian. The surname likely originated as a descriptive or occupational ...