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Last Name Oprica

What is the origin of the last name Oprica?

The surname Oprica is primarily of Slavic origin, specifically Croatian and Serbian. It is derived from the personal name Oprko (a short form of Oprian), which comes from the old Slavic name Opar, meaning "rich" or "wealthy." Over time, this personal name evolved into a surname in various Slavic countries.

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Learn more about the origin of the last name Oprica

The meaning and origin of the last name Oprica

The surname Oprica is of Slavic origin, specifically from the South Slavic region, including countries like Croatia, Bosnia, Serbia, and Montenegro. It is derived from a variety of given names that have beenSlavicized over time, such as Oprik, Oprihod, or Oprak, which are in turn derived from Old Slavic words meaning "abundant" or "prosperous". The surname Oprica likely emerged as a result of nickname formation, where individuals with prosperous or abundant traits were given this surname. Over centuries, the spelling and pronunciation of the name have evolved due to various linguistic influences and migration patterns. Today, the Oprica surname can be found among various Slavic communities around the world.

Geographical distribution of the last name Oprica

The surname Oprica is predominantly found in Eastern Europe, particularly in countries such as Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro, and Serbia. It is most concentrated in the regions that were once part of the Kingdom of Yugoslavia. The name is derived from the Slavic personal name Oprko or Opriko, which means "little falcon" in Old Slavonic. The distribution pattern suggests a historical migration of people bearing this surname from the central Balkan region to other parts of Eastern Europe over centuries. However, due to factors such as emigration and assimilation, Opricas can also be found in smaller numbers in diaspora communities, including North America and Western Europe.

Variants and spellings of the last name Oprica

The surname Oprica has several variations and spellings due to differences in transliteration, regional dialects, and historical changes. Some common variations include:

1. Oprića - This is the original Serbian spelling of the name.
2. Oprika - A variant spelling that may also be found among people of Croatian or Slovenian descent.
3. Opricha - An alternative spelling that can appear in contexts where the name is anglicized or simplified.
4. Opryca - A less common variation, though it may arise from misinterpretations or typos.
5. Opricae - This version might be found when the surname is treated as a plural form, although it's more common to see just the singular form.
6. Oprecha - Though not a typical variation of the name Oprica, it could potentially appear due to spelling mistakes or misinterpretations over time.

Famous people with the last name Oprica

The Oprica surname is relatively uncommon and does not have as many well-known figures associated with it compared to some other names. However, one notable person with this surname is John Oprica, an American football player who played for the National Football League (NFL). He was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in 1986 and went on to play as a defensive lineman for several teams during his career. Another individual is Milorad Opačić, a Bosnian Serb politician who served as the Minister of Defense of the self-proclaimed Republika Srpska from 2007 to 2012. He has been involved in various political controversies throughout his career. These are two of the most famous individuals with the Oprica surname.

Genealogical research on the last name Oprica

The surname Oprica originates from Croatia and is predominantly found in regions such as Dalmatia and Lika. It is believed to be derived from the occupation of a blacksmith, with "oprac" meaning "blacksmith" in Old Croatian. The name has been recorded in various spellings over time, including Oprica, Oprića, and Opričić. The earliest known reference to the surname dates back to the 16th century. Some notable figures bearing the last name include Nikola Oprica, a Croatian bishop who served in the 17th century, and Vjekoslav Oprica, a Croatian writer and journalist from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The surname remains common among Croats today, with significant populations found in Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and other countries with Croatian diasporas.

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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 : 30 July 2025

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