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Last Name Vasiljkovic

What is the origin of the last name Vasiljkovic?

The last name Vasiljkovic is of Serbian origin. It comes from the given name Vasilije, which is a Serbian version of the name Basil. The suffix "kovic" is a common suffix in Serbian surnames, indicating "son of." Therefore, Vasiljkovic would mean "son of Vasilije/Basil."

origin of the last name Vasiljkovic

Learn more about the origin of the last name Vasiljkovic

The meaning and origin of the last name Vasiljkovic

The surname Vasiljkovic is of Serbian origin and is derived from the given name Vasilij, which is a variant of the name Basil, ultimately of Greek origin. The surname Vasiljkovic is a patronymic surname, meaning "son of Vasilij," and indicates ancestry or descent from a male ancestor named Vasilij. The suffix -kovic is a common patronymic suffix in Serbian surnames, denoting "son of." Therefore, Vasiljkovic translates to "son of Vasilij." The name Vasilij itself is derived from the Greek name Basileios, meaning "royal" or "kingly," highlighting the noble connotations associated with this surname. Overall, the surname Vasiljkovic signifies a familial connection to the ancient Greek name Basil and carries with it a sense of regality and status.

Geographical distribution of the last name Vasiljkovic

The last name Vasiljkovic is most commonly found in Serbia, particularly in the regions of Belgrade, Novi Sad, and Nis. It is also prevalent in neighboring countries such as Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro. The name can also be found in countries with significant Serb populations such as Australia, the United States, and Canada, due to emigration patterns. In addition, Vasiljkovic may be present in other European countries with historic ties to the Balkans, such as Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. The distribution of the surname is not limited to a specific geographic area, as it has spread through migration and intermarriage over the years. Overall, Vasiljkovic is a name with roots in the Balkans but can be found in various parts of the world due to global mobility and diaspora communities.

Variants and spellings of the last name Vasiljkovic

The last name Vasiljkovic can have several variations and spellings. Some common variations include Vasiljković, Vasyljković, Vasiljkovich, and Vasyljkovich. The spelling of the name may also be altered in different regions or by individuals, resulting in variations such as Vasiljkovicz, Vasyljkovych, and Vasiljkovics. These variations are often a result of transliteration differences between languages, particularly in regions where the Cyrillic alphabet is used. Additionally, some individuals may choose to simplify or modify the spelling of their last name for various reasons, further adding to the diversity of spellings for the surname Vasiljkovic. Despite these variations, each spelling ultimately refers to individuals with common ancestry tied to the original surname Vasiljkovic.

Famous people with the last name Vasiljkovic

Dragan "Captain Dragan" Vasiljkovic is the most well-known person with the last name Vasiljkovic. He was a former Serbian paramilitary commander and Australian citizen accused of war crimes during the Yugoslav Wars. Vasiljkovic served in the Croatian Serb rebel army during the conflict in Croatia in the early 1990s and was later arrested in Australia in 2006. After years of legal battles, he was extradited to Croatia in 2015 to face charges of murder, torture, and other war crimes. His trial garnered international attention and he was eventually convicted in 2019 and sentenced to 13 and a half years in prison. Vasiljkovic's case has been controversial and continues to spark debate about justice, accountability, and the impact of the Yugoslav Wars on the region.

Genealogical research on the last name Vasiljkovic

The last name Vasiljkovic is of Serbian origin and is derived from the personal name Vasilije, which is the Serbian form of the name Basil, meaning "royal" or "regal" in Greek. The Vasiljkovic surname is believed to have been patronymic in nature, with the suffix "-ic" indicating "son of" or "descendant of." The Vasiljkovic family may have originated from the region of Serbia or Montenegro, where the name is most commonly found. Researching the genealogy of the Vasiljkovic name may uncover a lineage of individuals with ties to the Balkan region and offer insights into their heritage, traditions, and historical connections. By tracing the Vasiljkovic family tree, one may discover a rich tapestry of ancestors who have contributed to the cultural and social fabric of their community.

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