Last Name Sulejmanovic

The surname Sulejmanović is of Slavic origin, specifically from South Slavic countries such as Bosnia and Serbia. It is derived from the first name Sulejman, which is a variant of Soliman, an Arabic name that means "servant of Sulaiman," a prophet in Islamic tradition. The surname evolved as a patronymic, indicating the son of Sulejman. This naming pattern is common among Slavic peoples and was particularly prevalent during the Ottoman Empire's rule over the Balkans.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Sulejmanovic

The meaning and origin of the last name Sulejmanovic

The surname Sulejmanović is a Slavicized variant of the Ottoman Turkish name Süleyman, which means "lion man" in Arabic. This name gained popularity in the Balkans due to the reign of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent (1494-1566), who was known for his military and political successes during the Ottoman Empire's golden age. The Slavicized form, Sulejmanović, is particularly common among the Bosniak population in Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as in other regions of the former Yugoslavia that were influenced by Ottoman rule. Over time, the surname has been anglicized to various forms such as Suleymanovic, Sulejmanowich, and Sulejmanovitch.

Geographical distribution of the last name Sulejmanovic

The surname Sulejmanović is predominantly found in regions with significant Bosniak and Bosnian Muslim populations, primarily in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is also present in neighboring countries such as Serbia, Croatia, Montenegro, and North Macedonia due to historical migrations during the Ottoman Empire, the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and the Yugoslav period. Smaller communities of people bearing this surname can be found in Western Europe, particularly in Germany, Austria, and Sweden, due to post-World War II migration and subsequent diaspora. In North America, Sulejmanović is primarily found in countries with large Bosnian immigrant populations such as the United States, Canada, and Australia.

Variants and spellings of the last name Sulejmanovic

The surname Sulejmanović can have various spelling variations due to differences in transliteration and regional dialects. Here are some common variants:

1. Sulejmanovich
2. Sulejmanovic'h
3. Sulejmanowitsch
4. Suleimanovich
5. Suleimanovič
6. Sulejmanovićić
7. Zulejmanović
8. Zulejmanovič
9. Sulajmanović
10. Sulajmanovič

These variations arise from differences in the spelling rules of different languages and dialects, as well as historical changes in transcription methods over time. It's essential to note that the correct spelling can depend on factors such as the region or country where the name originated, personal preference, or official documentation.

Famous people with the last name Sulejmanovic

Sulejmanović is a surname of Slavic origin, predominantly found among Bosniaks and other South Slavs. Notable individuals bearing this surname include:

1. Amar Sulejmanović - a professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for FC Krasnodar in the Russian Premier League.
2. Adis Sulejmanović - a Bosnian-born German professional footballer who plays as a defender for 1. FC Köln II and the Germany U21 national team.
3. Ermin Sulejmanović - a former Swedish footballer of Bosniak descent, who played mainly as an attacking midfielder. He was part of Sweden's squad for the UEFA Euro 1996.
4. Jasmin Sulejmanović - a Swiss-Bosnian basketball player who plays for KK Bosna in the A-League of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
5. Elvir Sulejmanović - a German professional footballer who plays as a defender for MSV Duisburg, on loan from Fortuna Düsseldorf.

Genealogical research on the last name Sulejmanovic

The Sulejmanović surname is predominantly found in South Slavic regions, specifically Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, and Serbia. It is a patronymic name derived from the male given name Sulejman, which is of Ottoman Turkish origin. The name Sulejman signifies "the man of Sulayman," who was a prophet in Islamic tradition. The surname's distribution suggests it may have origins in areas that were under Ottoman influence, particularly during the 15th to 19th centuries when such naming practices became common. Notable figures with the Sulejmanović surname include Abdulah Sulejmanović, a Bosnian footballer, and Selma Sulejmanović, a Serbian volleyball player. The name is also found among various ethnic groups in the region, reflecting its historical diversity.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "sulejmanovic"
• 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 : 30 July 2025

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