Last Name Stupar

The surname Stupar has roots in Slavic languages and is primarily found among Croatians and Slovenes. In Croatian, "stupa" means 'column' or 'pillar', while in Slovenian it can mean 'mast' or 'tall building'. Variants of this surname are also found in other Slavic countries, where the name may have different meanings. The origin of the name likely comes from a person who was associated with a pillar or a tall structure, or possibly someone who lived near such a structure.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Stupar

The meaning and origin of the last name Stupar

The surname Stupar is of Slavic origin, specifically from Eastern Europe, particularly Croatia, Bosnia, Serbia, and Montenegro, where it is quite common. The name is derived from the Slavonic root 'stupa' which means 'pillar' or 'column'. Over time, this name may have been given to someone who lived near a pillar-like structure or was compared to one due to their strong and supportive nature. As with many surnames, the exact origin of Stupar can vary as families migrated across Europe over centuries. In more recent times, individuals with the surname Stupar can be found in various parts of the world, particularly North America and Western Europe, where they have maintained their distinctive Slavic identity.

Geographical distribution of the last name Stupar

The last name Stupar is predominantly found in Eastern and Southeastern Europe, particularly in Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, and Slovenia, reflecting its Slavic origins. The highest concentrations of the surname are in these Balkan countries, with Croatia having the largest number of Stupar families due to the name's historical roots there. Additionally, smaller numbers of people bearing the Stupar surname can be found in other parts of Europe, as well as in immigrant communities in North America, Australia, and New Zealand, where people from these Balkan countries have settled over the centuries. Overall, the geographical distribution of the last name Stupar is primarily concentrated in Eastern Europe, with significant diaspora communities in various regions around the world.

Variants and spellings of the last name Stupar

The surname Stupar has multiple spelling variations, including Stupar, Stupek, Stupak, Stupich, Stupka, Stoupas, Stoupa, and Stoupak. These variations can be traced to differences in transcription, translation, and regional dialects over time. The name is of Slavic origin, derived from the word "stupa" which means column or pillar in several Slavic languages. It may have originally been a topographic surname for someone who lived near a column-like landmark, or it could have been an occupational surname for a builder of such structures. The name Stupar is most commonly found among the Croatian and Slovak populations, but can also be found in other Slavic communities around the world.

Famous people with the last name Stupar

Among the notable individuals sharing the surname Stupar, one of the most recognized is Milorad Stupar (born 1948), a Serbian-American mathematician and computer scientist who has made significant contributions to the field of coding theory. In 2017, he was awarded the Fulkerson Prize for his lifetime achievements in discrete mathematics and theoretical computer science.

Another prominent figure is Ana Stupar (born 1984), a Serbian journalist, television host, and political commentator. She gained recognition as a presenter on N1 Television, where she hosted several popular talk shows. In 2016, she founded the media platform "Stvarno.rs," serving as its editor-in-chief.

Lastly, Dragan Stupar (born 1958), a Serbian journalist and political analyst, is known for his work as an editor at the newspaper "Politika." He has also published several books on politics, including "The Balkan Quagmire: The Destruction of Yugoslavia" in 2006.

Genealogical research on the last name Stupar

The surname Stupar is predominantly of Slavic origin, specifically Croatian and Serbian, although it may also be found among other Eastern European populations with a historical connection to these regions. Originating from the Slavonic word "stupa" or "stupek," which means pillar or post, the name Stupar is associated with individuals who were strong and steadfast, much like a supportive column.

The earliest known records of the Stupar family date back to the 14th century in the Kingdom of Croatia-Slavonia, part of the Hungarian Empire at that time. The name gradually spread across neighboring regions during the ensuing centuries due to various historical events such as migrations and invasions. Today, significant populations of Stupar descendants can be found primarily in Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, and other parts of Eastern Europe. Notable individuals with this surname include Petar Stupar, a Croatian painter, and Vojislav Stupar, a Serbian footballer.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Stupar"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

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 : 11 June 2025

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