Last Name Jozic

Learn more about the origin of the last name Jozic

The meaning and origin of the last name Jozic

The surname Jozić is a Slavic patronymic name derived from the given name Josip or Joseph, which has Hebrew origins. In Hebrew, Joseph means "he increases" or "God increases." The name Josip was adopted by Christians as a version of the biblical name Joseph, and it became a common name among Slavic peoples. Over time, patronymic names were developed in Slavic countries to denote the son of the bearer of a certain name. Thus, Jozić is derived from Josip or Joseph, and means "son of Josip" or "son of Joseph." The surname Jozić is most commonly found among Croatian and Slovenian populations, but it can also be found among other Slavic communities.

Geographical distribution of the last name Jozic

The surname Jozić is predominantly found in regions that were historically part of former Yugoslavia, particularly in Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is most concentrated in the coastal regions of Dalmatia and Lika-Senj County in Croatia, as well as in the Bosnian cantons of Posavina, Tuzla, and Zenica-Doboj. Smaller populations can also be found in other parts of Europe, including Slovenia, Serbia, and Austria, due to migration over the centuries. In addition, diaspora communities exist worldwide, particularly in North America, Australia, and New Zealand, as a result of emigration during and after the Yugoslav Wars in the 1990s.

Variants and spellings of the last name Jozic

The surname Jozic can have several variations due to differences in spelling, phonetic interpretation, and regional dialects. Some common variants include:

1. Josić (Cyrillic script in Serbia)
2. Jožić (Croatian diacritical marks)
3. Jozich or Josich (English transliteration without diacritics)
4. Jozik, Jozik (Informal or simplified versions)
5. Giosecchini (Italian form)
6. Józsy or Józsi (Hungarian variations)
7. Jozicu or Josicu (Romanian transliteration)
8. Josits, Jožićs, Jozichs, etc. (Surnames with added plural or possessive suffixes)

These variations highlight the multicultural origins and historical migration of the name Jozic, making it a popular surname among various ethnic groups.

Famous people with the last name Jozic

Prominent individuals sharing the surname Jozić include:

1. Ante Jozić (born 1967), a Bosnian-American football coach and former player, who played for the United States men's national soccer team from 1993 to 2004.

2. Branimir Jozić (born 1958), a Bosnian Serb politician and businessman, serving as the Member of the National Assembly of Republika Srpska since 2018.

3. Dragutin Jozić (1924-2006), a Yugoslav painter, known for his work in social realism.

4. Vladimir Jozić (born 1956), a Serbian politician who served as the President of the National Assembly of Serbia from 2012 to 2013.

These individuals have made significant contributions across various fields, including sports, politics, and art, reflecting the diverse talents and accomplishments within the Jozić family name.

Genealogical research on the last name Jozic

The Jozic surname is primarily originated from Croatia, where it is derived from the medieval Slavic personal name Josip (Joseph) and its variants. The name spread to other parts of Europe due to historical events such as migrations and wars, particularly during the 17th and 18th centuries when Croatian settlers populated areas within the Habsburg Monarchy, present-day Austria, Hungary, and Slovenia.

In terms of genealogical records, extensive documentation can be found in Croatia, primarily in Dalmatia and Lika regions. The earliest known Jozic family records date back to the 15th century, with a significant concentration in the city of Dubrovnik. As Croatian emigration increased during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, many Jozics immigrated to North America, Australia, and South America, leaving behind a trail of family history in church records, census data, passenger lists, and naturalization documents.

In summary, the Jozic surname has deep roots in Croatia but has also dispersed across various parts of Europe and the Americas due to historical events and emigration waves. Comprehensive genealogical research on this name can yield a rich tapestry of family history, spanning several centuries.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "jozic"
• 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 : 30 July 2025