The surname Veselic is of Slavic origin, specifically from the South Slavic region, which includes countries such as Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, Macedonia, and Slovenia. The name is derived from the word "veseli," which means cheerful or joyful in Slavic languages. It may have been originally a nickname for someone who was considered lively or happy. However, it's important to note that surnames often have complex histories and can evolve over time, so the exact origin of a particular Veselic family might vary.
Learn more about the origin of the last name Veselic
The meaning and origin of the last name Veselic
The surname Veselic originates from Croatia, specifically from the region of Dalmatia. It is derived from the Slavonic personal name "Veselin," which means "joy" or "happiness." The suffix "-ić" indicates that it is a patronymic surname, meaning it was originally used as a nickname for the son of Veselin. Over time, this surname has spread beyond Croatia due to migration and assimilation. In its various spellings (such as Vešeljić, Vešelić, or Weselic), it is now found among Croatian, Bosnian, Serbian, and other Slavic communities worldwide.
Geographical distribution of the last name Veselic
The surname Veselic is predominantly distributed across Eastern Europe, primarily in Croatia, where it originates. It is one of the most common surnames in the country and is particularly concentrated in Dalmatia, Slavonia, and Istria regions. Additionally, significant numbers of people bearing the name Veselic can be found in neighboring countries such as Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, and Slovenia, likely due to historical migration patterns. Outside of Europe, there are also populations with the surname Veselic in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United States, primarily among Croatian immigrants or their descendants.
Variants and spellings of the last name Veselic
The surname Veselic has several variations and spellings due to differences in transliteration, regional dialects, and time periods. Some common variants include:
1. Vešelić (Cyrillic script used in Serbia and other parts of Eastern Europe)
2. Vešelik (an alternative spelling in Croatia)
3. Veselyc (an Anglicized version)
4. Veselych (a variant spelling, though less common)
5. Wesselyc or Weselich (variations based on transliteration from non-Latin scripts to English)
It's essential to note that the surname originates from Croatia and is pronounced with a soft 'e' as in "pet" and a hard 'c' as in "cat," followed by "lich." The name may also have variations due to historical events, migration patterns, or personal preferences.
Famous people with the last name Veselic
Notable individuals with the last name Veselic include:
1. Sandi Vestal (born Sandra Veselic), an American actress and model who has appeared in films such as "The Firm" and "Point Break."
2. Ante Veselic, a Croatian professional basketball player who played in the National Basketball Association (NBA) for teams including the New York Knicks and the Los Angeles Clippers.
3. Mirna Veselica, a Croatian politician who served as the Minister of Agriculture in the Government of the Republic of Croatia from 2016 to 2020.
4. Davor Veselic, a Croatian professional soccer player who played for clubs such as Hajduk Split and NK Istra 1961.
5. Marko Veselica, a Slovenian-American economist who is the George E. Warren Distinguished Professor of Finance at Duke University's Fuqua School of Business.
These individuals have made significant contributions in their respective fields, ranging from entertainment and sports to politics and academia.
Genealogical research on the last name Veselic
The surname Veselic originates from Croatia and is primarily found in Dalmatia, a coastal region in the country. Historically, it is believed to be derived from the Croatian word "veseli," meaning cheerful or joyful. The name can also be traced back to the Slavic personal name Veselko.
The Veselic family has been documented as early as the 13th century in Croatia, with many notable figures emerging throughout history. In the 15th and 16th centuries, several Veselic families were mentioned in written records related to noble titles and land ownership. During the Ottoman invasions of the Balkans, some members of the Veselic family played significant roles as military leaders and defenders of Croatian territory.
In modern times, the Veselic surname has spread globally due to migration waves, with large populations found in countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and Germany. Notable individuals bearing this name include Ivan Veselic, a professional footballer who played for the Croatian national team, and Martina Veselica, a renowned soprano opera singer from Croatia.
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 :
Share the origin of your last name with your friends
The surname "Vesela" is of Czech, Slovak, and Slovenian origin. It is derived from the Slavic word "veselý," which means "cheerful" or "happy." The surname may have originally bee...
The surname Veselov has its origins in Slavic-speaking regions, particularly among Eastern Slavs such as Russians, Ukrainians, and Belarusians. It is derived from the Slavic mascul...
The name Vesga has Spanish origin, and is of Basque origin. This surname can be found mainly in the regions of Cantabria and Álava in Spain. Its origin may be related to toponyms ...
The last name "Vesh" is of Slavic origin, specifically from countries such as Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus. It is derived from the word "veshch" which means "thing" or "object" in ...
The surname "Veshnu" likely originated from India. It could be derived from the name of the Hindu god Vishnu, or it may have a meaning related to Vishnu or his qualities.
The last name Veslino is of Eastern European origin. It is believed to be of Bulgarian or possibly Russian descent. The exact meaning or historical significance of the name is uncl...
The surname Veslinos has Greek origins. It is derived from the Greek word "veslino," which means "little oak tree." It is likely an occupational surname given to someone who lived ...
The last name "Vesovi" is of Serbian origin. It is a surname derived from the Serbian word "ves" which means "fun" or "joy". It is likely that this surname was originally given to ...
The surname Vespucci originates from Italy and is derived from the city of Florence, specifically from the district of Vespuccio. The family Vespucci lived in this district during ...
The surname Vess is of English origin, derived from the Old English word "wæs(s)a," meaning "stream" or "flow." It was originally a topographical name for someone who lived by a s...
The last name Vessier is of French origin. It is derived from the French word "vaseur," meaning a type of pottery vessel or container. It is likely that the surname originally indi...
The last name Vesy is of English origin and is derived from the Old English word "fesce," meaning "fish." It is believed to have originally been used as an occupational surname for...
