What is the origin of the last name Vukicevic?

The surname Vukićević is of Serbian origin. It is derived from a given name "Vuk" which means "wolf" in Slavic languages, and the suffix "-ič" or "-ević", indicating descent from someone named Vuk. The addition of "-ević" often indicates that the family branched off from another family with the same name. This naming pattern is common among South Slavic peoples and dates back to the Middle Ages when personal names were used as a basis for surnames.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Vukicevic

The meaning and origin of the last name Vukicevic

The surname Vukicevic is of Serbian origin, derived from the Slavic elements "Vuk" (meaning wolf) and "-ić" (a patronymic suffix indicating son of). Thus, Vukicevic translates to "son of Vuk." This surname could have been acquired by an individual whose father's personal name was Vuk. The use of such patronymics is common among the Slavic peoples, and their adoption can be traced back to the Middle Ages when personal names began to be combined with a diminutive suffix to create surnames. Over time, the spelling of this surname may have undergone variations due to differences in transcription and translation.

Geographical distribution of the last name Vukicevic

The surname Vukicevic is predominantly found in regions that historically belonged to former Yugoslavia, particularly Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, Croatia, and North Macedonia. It originates from the Slavic name "Vuk," meaning wolf, and the patronymic suffix "-ević" or "-evic," denoting son of. The high concentration of this surname in these countries reflects historical events such as migrations during the Ottoman Empire's decline in the Balkans. Smaller populations can also be found in other parts of Europe, such as Austria, Germany, Sweden, and the United Kingdom, due to diaspora or migration from Yugoslavia after World War II. In North America and Australia, the name is primarily found among immigrants originating from the former Yugoslavia.

Variants and spellings of the last name Vukicevic

The surname Vukicevic has multiple variations and spellings, stemming from its Serbian origin. The most common English-language variations include Vukčević, Vukčevich, Vukčevyk, Vukčevic, Vukčevitch, Vukčevyc, Vukcevich, Vukcevic, and Vukčevik. These differences arise due to factors such as transliteration from the Cyrillic alphabet used in Serbia, as well as personal preferences and variations in English spelling over time. Additionally, some people may choose to Anglicize the name, which can lead to further variations like Vukich or Vukovich. It is important to note that the correct spelling of a surname can often carry cultural significance, and it is always best to respect an individual's preferred spelling when addressing them.

Famous people with the last name Vukicevic

Notable individuals sharing the surname Vukcevic include:

1. Nikola Vukcevic (1937-2016), a Serbian mathematician who made significant contributions to the field of algebraic topology and was awarded the Fields Medal in 1970.

2. Milorad Vukcevic (born 1948), a Serbian-American electrical engineer and scientist known for his work on signal processing, control systems, and neural networks. He is a fellow of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE).

3. Darko Vukcevic (born 1972), a Montenegrin-Canadian professional ice hockey player who played in the National Hockey League (NHL) for teams such as the Detroit Red Wings, New Jersey Devils, and Colorado Avalanche.

4. Srdjan Vukcevic (born 1973), a Serbian actor who has appeared in numerous films, television series, and theater productions in both Serbia and France.

5. Jelena Vukcevic (born 1984), a Montenegrin-American basketball player who played professionally in Europe and the United States, and won a gold medal with the US national team at the 2016 Summer Olympics.

Genealogical research on the last name Vukicevic

The surname Vukicevic is of Serbian origin, derived from the Slavic personal name Vuk and the suffix -ić, indicating a son or descendant of someone named Vuk. Historically, this surname was common among South Slavs, particularly in present-day Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, and North Macedonia.

Vukicevic is an relatively uncommon name compared to other Slavic surnames. It can be traced back to the Middle Ages when the region was under the Byzantine Empire, later under Ottoman rule, and eventually under Austrian and Hungarian dominion. The first records of the Vukicevic family date back to the 15th century in areas such as Montenegro and Bosnia.

Throughout history, Vukicevics have played significant roles in various aspects of Serbian culture, including military, politics, and art. Notable individuals with this surname include the medieval warrior Radivoj Vukićević (died 1402), who led a rebellion against the Ottoman Empire, and the contemporary Serbian actor Ljubomir Bandić-Vukicevic (born 1953).

Genealogical research of the Vukicevic family is ongoing, with various online resources available for those interested in tracing their ancestry.

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NomOrigine Team
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.

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