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Last Name Pavelecini

What is the origin of the last name Pavelecini?

The surname Pavelecini is believed to have originated from Croatia, a country located in Southeastern Europe. This surname is derived from a variety of personal names that were popular in Croatia, such as Pavle or Pavao, which are the Croatian forms of the name Paul, a Latin name meaning "little" and "humble." The "-ecini" ending is a common Croatian patronymic suffix used to denote son or descendant. Therefore, the surname Pavelecini likely means "son of Pavle" or "descendant of Pavle." However, it's important to note that surnames can have different origins and meanings depending on regional variations, and more research may be necessary for a complete understanding of the specific origin of this particular surname.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Pavelecini

The meaning and origin of the last name Pavelecini

The surname Pavelecini is of Slavic origin, specifically from the South Slavic region, primarily Croatia, Bosnia, and Serbia. It derives from the given name Pavle, which means "small" or "humble" in English. The suffix "-ević/-ević" or "-evich" is a common patronymic in South Slavic countries, meaning 'son of'. Thus, Pavelecini translates to 'son of Pavle' or 'little humble one'. The surname has variations such as Pavlichevich, Pavlović, and Pavličić, among others, depending on regional dialects and historical influences.

Geographical distribution of the last name Pavelecini

The surname Pavelecini is primarily concentrated in Eastern Europe, particularly in Slovenia and Croatia. In Slovenia, it is most prevalent in the regions of Notranjska (Inner Carniola), where it is associated with the traditional settlement of the Pohorje area, and Gorenjska (Upper Carniola). In Croatia, the highest concentrations can be found in the coastal region of Istria and the neighboring areas of Kvarner and Gorski Kotar. Additionally, smaller groups bearing the surname Pavelecini can be found in other Eastern European countries, such as Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, and Montenegro.

Variants and spellings of the last name Pavelecini

The surname Pavelecini has several variations and spellings due to differences in transcription and translation over time. Some of these variants include Pavlečini, Pavelčić, Pavličić, Pavlićeni, Paveljeni, and Pavlejni. These variations may also appear with diacritics or without them, depending on the specific language or regional dialect they are being used in. In English-speaking countries, it is common to find the surname spelled as Pavelecini or similar variations without diacritics. It is important to note that these variations may have different frequencies and distributions within populations, reflecting historical and cultural influences on naming practices.

Famous people with the last name Pavelecini

Notable individuals with the surname Pavelecini include:

1. Marin Pavelecini (born 1976), Croatian football player who played as a goalkeeper for various clubs in Croatia, Austria, and Germany. He was part of the Croatian national team that won the bronze medal at the 2004 Summer Olympics.

2. Ante Pavelecini (born 1983), also a Croatian football player who played as a goalkeeper for several Croatian clubs, and the Croatia U-21 national team. He is currently the goalkeeping coach of Italian Serie A club Sampdoria.

3. Bojan Pavelecini (born 1968), a Canadian-Slovenian artist known for his work in animation and visual effects. He has worked on numerous films, including "The Incredibles" and "Finding Nemo."

4. Marko Pavelek (born 1978), a Slovenian football player who played as a defender. He represented Slovenia at the UEFA Euro 2004 and participated in the 2002 FIFA World Cup qualification.

These individuals have made significant contributions to their respective fields of football and animation.

Genealogical research on the last name Pavelecini

The surname Pavelecini is believed to have originated from Italy, specifically the region of Tuscany. It is a variation of the Italian surname Pavesi or Pavese, which derives from the medieval occupation name for a pavior, a worker who lays paving stones. Over time, variations in spelling and pronunciation led to the emergence of the surname Pavelecini. The family likely migrated from Italy during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, as many Italians immigrated to North America seeking better opportunities. Tracing the specific genealogical lineage of the Pavelecini family can be complex due to variations in spelling and record-keeping practices, but numerous resources such as census records, church baptismal and marriage documents, and immigration records may provide valuable insights into the family's history.

Last name distribution maps

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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 : 27 July 2025

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