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Last Name Pogorelc

What is the origin of the last name Pogorelc?

The surname Pogorelc is believed to be of Slavic origin, more specifically from the South Slavic language group. It is derived from a personal name, possibly "Pogor" or "Pogorov", which means "one who lives on a hill" or "one who is from a high place". The suffix "-ec" or "-evic" in Slavic surnames often denotes a son of or from a specific place. However, it's important to note that the exact origin can vary based on regional dialects and historical factors. For a more accurate and detailed explanation, further research or consultation with a genealogist specializing in Slavic names would be beneficial.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Pogorelc

The meaning and origin of the last name Pogorelc

The surname Pogorelc is of Slavic origin, specifically from Croatia and neighboring regions within the former Yugoslavia. It is derived from a personal name, Pogorelec, which means "burned" or "charred" in Old Slavonic, likely given to someone with reddish hair or a person who experienced a significant event involving fire. The surname has been variously spelled as Pogorelic, Pogorelac, and Pogarelich over time due to differences in translation and regional dialects. The name's migration is linked to historical events such as the Ottoman invasions, which prompted population movements across Eastern Europe.

Geographical distribution of the last name Pogorelc

The surname Pogorelc is predominantly found in Slovenia and Croatia, with significant concentrations in both countries. In Slovenia, it ranks among the top 2,000 most common surnames, while in Croatia it falls within the top 5,000. Smaller populations of Pogorelc bearers can also be found in other former Yugoslav republics such as Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, Macedonia, and Slovenian diaspora communities worldwide, particularly in Austria, Italy, and Germany. The name is derived from the Slavic word "pogorje," meaning "mountains," reflecting its geographical origins in the highland regions of the Balkan Peninsula.

Variants and spellings of the last name Pogorelc

The surname Pogorelc, which originates from Slovenia, has various spellings and pronunciations due to differences in transliteration and regional dialects. Some common variants include Pogorlič, Pogorelec, Pogorelch, and Pogorelekh. The "lj" combination in the original Slovenian spelling is difficult for some non-Slavic speakers to pronounce, leading to alternative spellings like Pagorelec or Pogarel. Additionally, the name may be anglicized as Pagorelts, Pogareltz, or Pogoreltseff in English-speaking countries. The correct spelling and pronunciation can depend on personal preference, migration patterns, and historical events.

Famous people with the last name Pogorelc

Notable individuals with the surname Pogorelc include:

1. Dino Pogorelich (born 1961), a Croatian classical pianist, who has performed worldwide and won several prestigious music competitions.
2. Nikola Pogorelic (1843-1903), a Slovenian sculptor known for his realistic and naturalistic style, with works displayed in various museums across Europe.
3. Tina Pogorelc (born 1987), a Slovene professional footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for FC Zürich in the Swiss Women's Super League.
4. Matjaž Pogorelc (1951-2021), a Slovenian photographer and artist, who gained recognition for his conceptual and surrealist works.
5. Janez Pogačar (born 1938), a Slovene mathematician specializing in the fields of algebraic geometry and number theory, and a member of the London Mathematical Society.

Genealogical research on the last name Pogorelc

The surname Pogorelc is of Slavic origin, specifically from the South Slavic region, and it's primarily found in Slovenia and Croatia. Its etymology can be traced back to the Old Slavonic word "pogorje" which means 'mountainous region.' The Pogorelc family name is believed to have been formed as a locative surname, signifying that the original bearer lived in such a mountainous area.

Historical records show that the name was spelled variously as Pogorelec, Pogorel, and Pogorelecz in different time periods and regions. Notable figures bearing this name include the Slovenian poet and politician Simon Gregorčič (Pogorelec) and the Croatian tennis player Ivan Dodig, who were both born into families with the surname Pogorelc. The family's history and migration patterns can be further explored through research in church records, census data, and emigration lists from the 19th and early 20th centuries.

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 : 28 July 2025

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