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Last Name Zelko

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What is the origin of the last name Zelko?

The surname Zelko is of Slavic origin and is derived from the given name Zelimir, which means "rule of God" or "God's rule." It is a variant of the more common Slavic surnames such as Zeleny (green) or Zelinsky (son of Zelimir). The surname Zelko can be found among different Slavic populations, but it is most commonly associated with Croatia and other Eastern European countries.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Zelko

The meaning and origin of the last name Zelko

The surname Zelko is primarily of Slavic origin, more specifically associated with Eastern Europe, particularly Croatia, Slovakia, and Serbia. It's a variant of the name Secko or Željko, which are derived from the old Slavic personal name Želimir or Želik, meaning "famous peace" or "peaceful fame." The surname Zelko emerged as a patronymic, indicating that it was derived from the father's first name. Over time, it has been transmitted and adapted in various ways due to migration and assimilation processes, resulting in its presence among different ethnic groups and countries.

Geographical distribution of the last name Zelko

The surname Zelko is primarily distributed across Eastern Europe and its diaspora, with significant concentrations in Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Slovenia, reflecting its Slavic origin. It is also found among the Croatian and Slovene communities in other parts of the world, particularly in Western countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, due to migration during the 20th century. In the United States, the highest concentration of the Zelko surname can be found in states with a large Slavic-American population such as Illinois, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, and California. However, it is important to note that the distribution of the name can vary greatly depending on specific regional migration patterns and historical circumstances.

Variants and spellings of the last name Zelko

The surname Zelko can have several variations and spellings due to regional differences and individual preferences. Some of these include: Zelko, Zielke, Zeilko, Zielkowski (a Polish patronymic), Zeilkova (Czech feminine form), Zielkewicz (Polish variant with the addition of the common Polish surname suffix "-wicz"), and Zelkovich (Bulgarian variant). It's important to note that the original origins and pronunciations of these variations may differ slightly, as they might have originated from different countries or families.

Famous people with the last name Zelko

Notable individuals with the surname Zelko include:

1. Frank Zelko (1925-2014), an American composer and conductor known for his work on the Broadway musical "West Side Story".

2. Ljubomir "Ljupko" Zeljkó (born 1967), a Croatian retired footballer who played as a forward, most notably for Dinamo Zagreb and the Croatia national team.

3. John Zelkó (1948-2012), an American entrepreneur and co-founder of the software company MicroPro International, best known for its WordStar word processing software.

4. Božidar Zeljko (born 1960), a Canadian former professional ice hockey player who played in the National Hockey League (NHL).

5. Tara Zelinka (born 1973), an American actress, best known for her role as Vicky Vale in the 1990 Batman film.

These individuals have made significant contributions in various fields such as music, sports, business, and entertainment.

Genealogical research on the last name Zelko

The surname Zelko originates from Slavic roots and is predominantly found among Central and Eastern European populations, particularly in Croatia, Slovakia, and Poland. Its variations include Zelka, Zelkovich, Zelkowski, and Zelek.

The name is thought to derive from the personal name Sele or Selko, meaning 'shadow' or 'black' in Old Slavic languages. The surname may have been occupational, denoting a dark-skinned person, or topographical, referring to a dark or shady place.

The Zelko family has a notable history in Croatia, with records tracing back to the 14th century. Prominent figures include Franjo Zelko, a prominent Croatian sculptor, and Marijan Zelko, a renowned Croatian painter. In Slovakia, the Zelko family is known for their contributions in politics and education.

The name's global distribution is relatively low, with a significant presence in Croatia, the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, due to migration waves over the centuries.

Last name distribution maps

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NomOrigine Team
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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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