Last Name Vidakovic

The surname Vidakovic is a Slavic last name, specifically Croatian in origin. It is derived from a given name "Vidak" or "Vido", which means "knowledge" or "wisdom". Over time, it was developed into the patronymic form, denoting descent from Vidak or Vido. The "-ovic" suffix indicates this relationship in Slavic languages.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Vidakovic

The meaning and origin of the last name Vidakovic

The surname Vidakovic is of Serbian origin, derived from the Slavic name Vidak, which means "wisdom" or "understanding." The -ovic suffix, common in many Slavic languages, denotes patronymic descent, indicating that an individual belongs to a family or descends from a person named Vidak. Historically, this surname was primarily found in Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia and other Balkan regions where Slavic populations reside. The earliest known record of the name Vidakovic dates back to the Middle Ages, with the emergence of the Slavic principalities in the region. Today, it remains a relatively uncommon surname outside of Slavic communities, reflecting its historical and geographical origins.

Geographical distribution of the last name Vidakovic

The surname Vidakovic is predominantly found in South Slavic regions, with the highest concentration in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, and Serbia, all countries that share a common historical and cultural background as part of former Yugoslavia. It is also present in neighboring countries such as Montenegro, Macedonia, and Slovenia, as well as in parts of Austria, Germany, and Switzerland where significant numbers of South Slavic immigrants have settled over the centuries. Additionally, diaspora communities with the Vidakovic surname can be found worldwide, particularly in countries such as Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United States, which have historically welcomed immigrants from these regions.

Variants and spellings of the last name Vidakovic

Vidakovic is a surname that originates from Slavonic countries, specifically the former Yugoslavia region. Variations and spellings of this name can include:

* Vidakovich
* Vidaković
* Vidakovich
* Vidacovic
* Vidakowich
* Vidakovitch
* Vidákovič
* Vidákovićh
* Vidákovics
* Vidakovits
* Vidákovičh
* Vidákovićsh

These variations may appear due to differences in transliteration from the original Slavonic script, regional dialects, or individual preference. It's important to note that the correct spelling and pronunciation can vary depending on the specific language and culture of the bearer.

Famous people with the last name Vidakovic

Among the notable individuals bearing the surname Vidakovic, there are several distinguished figures across various fields. In the realm of sports, Goran Vidakovic is recognized as a former professional basketball player who played for clubs such as Partizan Belgrade and CSKA Moscow, before becoming the head coach of the Serbian national team. On the other hand, in academia, Radek Vidakovic, a professor at the University of California, Santa Barbara, specializes in nanoscale electronics and photonics. Furthermore, in the field of music, Petar Vidakovic is renowned as a composer who created an extensive cycle of 60 preludes for each major and minor key. In the world of entertainment, Mirjana Vidakovic, better known by her stage name Milena Dravić, was a Serbian actress who gained international acclaim in the 1950s and 1960s. Lastly, in the realm of business, Sasa Vidakovic is the founder and CEO of multiple successful companies in technology and finance. These individuals are just a few examples of the significant contributions made by people with the last name Vidakovic across various fields.

Genealogical research on the last name Vidakovic

The Vidakovic surname is predominantly of Croatian origin, stemming from the South Slavic region. It is a variant of the Slavonic personal name Vidak, meaning "knowledge" or "wisdom." This patronymic surname, denoting "son of Vidak," emerged during the Middle Ages, following the adoption of the practice of hereditary surnames in the region. The Croatian Banovina, an administrative division under Hungarian rule during the late Middle Ages, served as a breeding ground for this surname. As populations migrated and expanded throughout Europe, including Austria-Hungary, Italy, and Germany, variations of the name have surfaced, such as Widakovich, Vidacovich, and others. Notable individuals bearing the Vidakovic surname include the Croatian military officer and politician Petar Vidaković (1834-1925), and the Croatian footballer Ivica Vidaković (born 1970). The rich heritage and global dispersal of the Vidakovic family make genealogical research an exciting pursuit for those seeking to trace their roots.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "vidakovic"
• 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 : 15 June 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends