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Last Name Rakic

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What is the origin of the last name Rakic?

The surname Rakic is of Slavic origin, specifically from South Slavic nations such as Croatia and Bosnia. It's derived from the Slavic personal name Radoje (Rade), meaning "happy" or "joy", and the diminutive suffix "-ić". The surname is therefore a patronymic, indicating that it was originally given to someone's son or descendants of a man named Radoje.
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The meaning and origin of the last name Rakic

The surname Rakić originates from South Slavic regions, primarily within Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia, Montenegro, and other Balkan countries. It is derived from the Slavic word "rak," meaning crab. As with many Slavic surnames, it was originally an occupational name for someone who had a profession related to catching or using crabs, such as a fisherman or a trapper. Over time, the spelling and pronunciation of this surname have evolved due to migration and linguistic changes within the region. Today, Rakić is a common surname among Slavic communities, with notable individuals bearing this name in various fields, including sports, politics, and arts.

Geographical distribution of the last name Rakic

The surname Rakić is predominantly found in Southeastern Europe, particularly within the regions of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro, Serbia, and Slovenia, where it originates from. Historically, the name is associated with the South Slavic ethnic groups, including the Serbs, Croats, and Bosniaks. The geographical distribution of Rakić reflects this regional concentration, although there are also pockets of families bearing the name in other parts of Europe and North America due to migration and diaspora. In terms of global frequency, the name ranks relatively low, with most instances concentrated within the Balkan Peninsula. It is important to note that the distribution of names can be influenced by various factors, including historical events, population movements, and demographic shifts, which may account for the geographical patterns observed in the surname Rakić.

Variants and spellings of the last name Rakic

The surname Rakić can be spelled and pronounced with slight variations due to regional differences and individual preferences. Here are some common versions:

1. Rakic - A phonetic spelling for the Serbian last name, which is the most common form in English-speaking countries.
2. Rakich - Another phonetic variant that represents the pronunciation of the surname.
3. Rakics - This version may be found among Hungarian families who have adopted the name from the original Serbian form.
4. Rakicic, Rakicić, Rakitsa - These are alternative spellings based on the diacritical marks used in the Serbian language, though they are less common in English-speaking countries.
5. Rackić - A phonetic variation that may represent a different Eastern European surname. It is not related to the Serbian last name Rakić.
6. Raikic, Raykich, etc. - These are less common misspellings and phonetic variations of the surname Rakić.

Famous people with the last name Rakic

The Rakic family is known for producing several notable figures across various fields. One of the most recognized is Milos Raonic, a professional tennis player from Canada. Born in 1992, he reached a career-high ATP singles ranking of World No. 3 in 2016. Another well-known figure is Aleksandar Rakic, a German-born Austrian mixed martial artist competing in the light heavyweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Born in 1994, he is currently ranked as one of the top UFC fighters in his weight class. In addition, Jovana Rakic-Preko, a Serbian former professional tennis player, competed on the WTA Tour from 2005 to 2013. She reached her highest ranking of World No. 34 in singles and World No. 16 in doubles in 2008. These individuals demonstrate the diverse talents and achievements of those with the last name Rakic.

Genealogical research on the last name Rakic

The surname Rakić originates from the South Slavic region, specifically within the areas that are now part of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro, and Serbia. The name is derived from the Slavonic word "rakiya," meaning "raspberry." It is also associated with a medieval Slavic personal name Radoslav (Radomir or Radislav), which can be translated as "glad rule" or "happy peace."

The Rakić family is part of the larger South Slavic community, which shares a common ancestry and culture rooted in the Great Moravia empire and later the medieval Kingdom of Croatia, Kingdom of Bosnia, and Kingdom of Serbia. The migration patterns of the Rakić family can be traced to the 15th century, with records showing their settlements in present-day Bosnia and Herzegovina.

During the Ottoman Empire's expansion, many Rakić families were forced to relocate or assimilate, leading to dispersals across Europe. The most significant diaspora occurred during the 19th and early 20th centuries, as a result of the Austro-Hungarian and Ottoman rule. Today, the Rakić family can be found predominantly in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Serbia, Montenegro, as well as other European countries and North America.

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NomOrigine Team
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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.

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