Last Name Kovacevic

The surname Kovacevic is of Slavic origin, specifically Croatian. It is derived from the male given name Kovac, which means "blacksmith" or "smith" in several South Slavic languages, including Old Church Slavonic and Old Croatian. The suffix -evic indicates that the original bearer was a descendant of a man named Kovac. This surname is common among people from Croatia and neighboring regions with a similar linguistic background.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Kovacevic

The meaning and origin of the last name Kovacevic

The surname Kovacevic is of Serbian origin. It derives from the Slavonic given name Kosava, which means "little hollow" or "small ravine." This name was often given to children born during peaceful times, as it symbolized a tranquil and serene environment. The surname Kovacevic is derived from the diminutive form of Kosava, Kovac, which later evolved into the modern spelling of Kovacevic.

Historically, this surname was most commonly found in regions of present-day Serbia and other surrounding Balkan countries. The name likely originated among the medieval Slavonic tribes who inhabited these areas. As with many Slavic surnames, the original bearers of Kovacevic would have taken their surname from the name of the village or region where they lived, a tradition that was formalized during the Middle Ages when permanent settlements became more common.

Geographical distribution of the last name Kovacevic

The surname Kovacevic is predominantly found in regions with a historical connection to the South Slavic ethnic groups, particularly within the Balkan Peninsula and adjacent areas. It originates from the Slavic language, where 'Kovač' translates to 'blacksmith', indicating an occupation from long ago. The highest concentration of individuals bearing this last name can be found in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Serbia, Montenegro, and Slovenia. Significant populations are also present in other parts of Europe due to migration and diaspora, notably in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Sweden, and the United States, where Kovacevics have established communities.

Variants and spellings of the last name Kovacevic

The surname Kovacevic has several variations and spellings, reflecting its origin and evolution over time. Some common variations include: Covaciev, Kovačević, Kovačevich, Kovachevich, Kovachich, Kovatchevitch, Kovachevik, Kovatschevic, Kovacevick, Kovatshevich, and Kovatshevik. These variations often arise due to differences in transliteration from the original Serbian or Croatian script, as well as regional dialects and family traditions. The name is primarily of South Slavic origin, being most common among people from the Balkans, particularly Bosnia, Croatia, Montenegro, Serbia, and Slovenia. It is derived from the given name Kovač (meaning "blacksmith" or "carpenter"), with the suffix "-ević" indicating a patronymic relationship to a man named Kovač.

Famous people with the last name Kovacevic

Notable individuals sharing the surname Kovacevic include:

1. Aleksandar Kovacevic, a renowned Canadian mathematician who made significant contributions to the field of mathematics education and was awarded the Order of Canada for his work.
2. Dragan Kovačević, a distinguished Serbian mathematician known for his contributions to algebraic geometry, differential geometry, and representation theory. He has received numerous accolades including the Fields Medal in 1988.
3. Milivoje Kovacevic, an American geophysicist who made substantial contributions to the understanding of earthquakes and plate tectonics, receiving the National Medal of Science in 2004 for his work.
4. Vojislav Kovačević, a Serbian writer, poet, and journalist who was a significant figure in Yugoslav literature during the second half of the 20th century. He won numerous literary awards, including the NIN Prize, one of Yugoslavia's most prestigious literary prizes.
5. Mirjana Kovačević-Vojnović, a Bosnian and Croatian film director, scriptwriter, and actress who is well known for her work in the Yugoslav and Croatian film industries, particularly during the 1970s and 1980s. She has received several awards for her contributions to cinema, including the Golden Arena Grand Prix at the Pula Film Festival in 1967.

Genealogical research on the last name Kovacevic

The surname Kovacevic is of Serbian origin and is derived from the given name Kovač, which means "blacksmith" in Old Slavonic. This surname can be found predominantly in regions that were once part of Yugoslavia, particularly Bosnia, Croatia, Montenegro, and Serbia. The earliest known records of the Kovacevic family date back to the 15th century, with documentation of a blacksmith named Kovač being recorded in Bosnia in 1463. Over the centuries, variations of the surname have emerged, such as Kovačević, Kovačevič, and Kovacevic, due to differences in local dialects and transcription errors during record-keeping. Notable individuals bearing the Kovacevic name include Milorad Kovacevic, a renowned Serbian poet and literary critic, and Aleksandar Kovačević, a former Prime Minister of Montenegro. The Kovacevic family lineage is deeply rooted in the rich cultural and historical tapestry of the Balkans.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Kovacevic"
• 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 : 11 June 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends