The surname Pejčić is of Croatian origin. It is derived from various geographical places in Croatia that bear this name. For instance, there are several villages named Pejčinci and Pejići in Croatia. The surname likely originated as a locative surname for someone who lived near one of these places. However, it's important to note that the specific family history can vary among individuals with this surname due to migration and other factors.
Learn more about the origin of the last name Pejcic
The meaning and origin of the last name Pejcic
The surname Pejcic is of Slavic origin, specifically from South Slavic countries such as Croatia, Bosnia, and Montenegro. It is derived from the personal name "Pejo" or "Pajo," which is a shortened form of various compound names containing the element "Pavel" (meaning "small" or "little"), "Petar" (meaning "rock" or "stone"), or "Pavle" (a variant of Pavel). The surname Pejcic has multiple possible variations, including Pejčić, Pejić, and Pejočić, due to spelling changes and regional dialects over time. The name's popularity is primarily concentrated in the Balkan region, reflecting its Slavic origins.
Geographical distribution of the last name Pejcic
The surname Pejcic is primarily distributed across Eastern Europe, particularly in Croatia and Slovenia, where it is a common last name due to historical reasons stemming from the region's geography and ethnic composition. It originated as a patronymic, derived from the male given name Petar or Peter, which is widely used in Southern Slavic countries. Over time, emigration from these regions has led to the dispersal of the Pejcic surname to other parts of the world, particularly in North America and Australia, where many Croatian and Slovenian immigrants settled. In North America, for instance, the highest concentrations of people with the surname Pejcic can be found in countries like the United States and Canada.
Variants and spellings of the last name Pejcic
Pejčić is primarily a Slavic surname of Croatian origin, derived from the male given name Pejo (a diminutive form of Peter). The spelling may vary due to differences in transliteration and regional phonetic pronunciations. Some of these variations include: Pejcic, Pejčić, Pejčec, Pajčić, Payčich, and Pajčić (Cyrillic).
In English-speaking countries, it is common to see the surname spelled as Pejcic or Pejčić, with the accent mark on the first syllable to indicate the stress. However, some individuals may choose to drop the accent mark for ease of pronunciation in an Anglophone context.
In addition, there might be slight variations depending on migration and cultural influences, such as Pajcic or Payčich. It's essential to note that surnames can also change due to naturalization or assimilation processes, leading to further variations of the same name.
Famous people with the last name Pejcic
Prominent individuals sharing the surname Pejic include:
1. Mirela Pejic, a renowned Bosnian-American journalist and author, who has worked for various media outlets such as CNN, BBC, Al Jazeera, and National Public Radio (NPR). She won multiple awards for her journalism work, including the prestigious Alfred I. duPont-Columbia University Award in 2018.
2. Ante Pejic, a Croatian actor who gained recognition for his roles in several European and Hollywood films, such as "Captain America: The First Avenger" (2011) and "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" (2011). He has also been involved in theatre productions.
3. Matej Pejic, a Croatian composer and pianist who has released multiple albums, including collaborations with other artists. His compositions span various genres like classical, jazz, and film music.
4. Nikolina Pejić, a Croatian actress known for her roles in television series like "Stonemouth" (2017) and "The Last Kingdom" (2018). She has also performed in several theatre productions.
These individuals have made significant contributions to journalism, acting, music, and theatre, establishing a strong presence under the Pejic surname.
Genealogical research on the last name Pejcic
The Pejcic surname originates from Croatia, with roots tracing back to the medieval period. The name is derived from the occupational term "pečatić," which means a small seal-maker or engraver. Early records show the family's presence in the regions of Dalmatia and Slavonia.
Notable figures with the Pejcic surname include Nikola Pejčić, a Croatian Roman Catholic bishop who served as the Bishop of Hvar from 1743 to 1768. In modern times, there have been several prominent individuals in various fields, such as academia, politics, and sports, with Pejcic family members spread across Europe and North America.
The genealogical research suggests a significant expansion of the Pejcic family during the 19th and 20th centuries due to migration, primarily from Croatia to other parts of Europe and North America. With continued research, more information about the Pejcic family lineage and notable members can be uncovered, providing insights into their history and cultural heritage.
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.
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