The surname "Zic" is of Slavic origin, specifically Croatian and Serbian. It is a variant of the name Zikić, which is a patronymic derived from the male given name Zika, a short form of names beginning with the Slavonic element Zdeslav (Given in God). The name Zdeslav means "God's gift" or "given by God." It is also found among the Slovene population, where it can be spelled as Zick or Zič.
Learn more about the origin of the last name Zic
The meaning and origin of the last name Zic
The surname Zic is primarily of Slavic origin, found predominantly among Croatian, Serbian, Montenegrin, Bosnian, and Macedonian individuals. It derives from various Slavic roots such as "zica" (kitten) or "zicati" (to hiss), reflecting a nickname given to someone with a cat-like behavior or characteristic meow. In some instances, the surname might also be associated with a diminutive form of the male name Zivojin (Alive-winner), which means "living victoriously." The usage and distribution of the surname Zic have expanded beyond its Slavic roots due to migration and assimilation over time. It is now found in numerous countries around the world, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and Western Europe.
Geographical distribution of the last name Zic
The surname Zic has its roots primarily in Southeastern Europe, specifically Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Slovenia, where it is among the most common surnames in these countries. It also appears with some frequency in Montenegro, Serbia, and northern Italy. In Croatia, Zic is found predominantly along the Dalmatian coast and inland areas of Lika-Senj County. The diaspora has led to the dispersal of the name globally, with significant populations residing in the United States, Australia, Canada, and Western Europe. In the U.S., the highest concentrations are found in states such as California, Florida, Illinois, Michigan, and New York.
Variants and spellings of the last name Zic
The surname Zic has several variations and spellings in different regions and languages. Some of these include: Zick, Zik, Zicker, Zyck, Sick, Sik, Sicker, Syck, and Tzick. These differences often arise due to phonetic changes over time or regional dialects. In some cases, the name may also be hyphenated or combined with other names, such as Zic-Carter or Zick-Smith. It's essential to note that these variations can affect the genealogical research of individuals carrying this surname as they navigate family history and ancestry tracing.
Famous people with the last name Zic
Notable individuals with the surname Zic include:
1. Siniša Zrnić-Zic (born 1967), a Croatian politician who served as Minister of Foreign and European Affairs between 2018 and 2020.
2. Božidar Zrnić-Zic (born 1943), a Croatian economist who was the first President of the Croatian National Bank from 1990 to 2001.
3. Jelica Zic Fagertun (born 1965), a Norwegian artist, primarily known for her work in the field of conceptual art. She represented Norway at the Venice Biennale in 1997.
4. Dražen Petrović Zic (1964-1993), a Croatian professional basketball player who played in the NBA for teams like Portland Trail Blazers and New Jersey Nets. He was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame posthumously in 2002.
5. Goran Zic (born 1968), a Bosnian-American football coach and former player, who played as a defender. He has coached several MLS teams including Colorado Rapids and LA Galaxy.
Genealogical research on the last name Zic
The surname Zic is primarily of Slavic origin, most notably associated with Croatia and Serbia. It's derived from the Slavic given names such as Živojin (meaning "alive-gewin," or victorious), Živko (diminutive of Živojin), and Žika (a pet name for Živko). The surname Zic is relatively uncommon in Western Europe but more prevalent in the Balkans. Its earliest recorded occurrence dates back to the 15th century, primarily within the regions of Dalmatia and Bosnia. Over time, variations such as Zick, Zicker, or Zyck may have emerged due to phonetic changes or spelling adaptations as families migrated or assimilated into other cultures. Notable individuals bearing this surname include Croatian footballer Ivan Zic and Serbian-American physicist Nikola Zivkovic.
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