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Last Name Zlatkovic

What is the origin of the last name Zlatkovic?

The surname Zlatković is of Serbian origin, specifically from the region of Šumadija, Serbia. It derives from a personal name "Zlatko," which means "golden" or "radiant" in Slavic languages. The "-vić" or "-ović" ending is a common Slavic patronymic suffix, indicating that the surname originally referred to a son of Zlatko.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Zlatkovic

The meaning and origin of the last name Zlatkovic

The surname Zlatković is of Serbian origin, derived from the Slavic personal name Zlatko, which means "golden" or "radiant". This name was borne by several early medieval figures, such as Zlatko Vukanović (fl. 12th century) and Zlatko Nemanjić (13th century). The surname is commonly found in Serbia, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Croatia, regions that were part of the medieval Serbian Empire. Over time, various spelling variations have arisen for the name Zlatković, including Zlatkovich, Zlatkóvich, and Zlatkovic. The surname's popularity reflects the spread of Serbs throughout southeastern Europe and their cultural influence in the region.

Geographical distribution of the last name Zlatkovic

The surname Zlatkovic is predominantly found in regions associated with Southeastern Europe, specifically within Serbia, Montenegro, and Bosnia and Herzegovina due to historical and cultural links. It originates from the Slavic language and is a variant of Zlatko, a male given name meaning "golden" or "radiant." The diaspora of individuals with this surname can also be found in other parts of Europe, including Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Scandinavia, as well as North America, particularly the United States and Canada, due to migration during the 20th century.

Variants and spellings of the last name Zlatkovic

The surname Zlatković, which is of Serbian origin, has several variants and spellings due to differences in transliteration and regional dialects. Some of these variations include Zlatic, Zlatkovitch, Zlatkowicz, Zlatkowiec, and Zalatkovic. These variations may arise from the use of different alphabets or phonetic interpretations of the original Serbian name. Additionally, over time and through migration, individuals may have anglicized the surname to suit their new location or language. It's essential to remember that these variations do not necessarily indicate a change in family origin but rather represent different ways of representing the same name.

Famous people with the last name Zlatkovic

Notable individuals with the surname Zlatkovic include:

1. Milorad Zlatković (born 1948), a Serbian sculptor and Professor at the Academy of Arts, Novi Sad, whose works are displayed in numerous museums worldwide.
2. Petar Zlatković (born 1969), a former Yugoslav handball goalkeeper, who was a member of the gold medal-winning team at the 1988 Summer Olympics and won the World Championship in 1993 and 1995.
3. Dragan Zlatanović (born 1967), a Serbian football coach and former player, known for his time with Red Star Belgrade and the Yugoslavia national team. He was also a member of the gold medal-winning Yugoslavian squad at the 1984 Olympic Games.
4. Zoran Zlatkovic (born 1965), a Serbian comic book artist who has worked for DC Comics, Marvel Comics, and Dark Horse Comics, among others. He is best known for his work on Batman titles.

Genealogical research on the last name Zlatkovic

The surname Zlatkovic is of Serbian origin, deriving from the Slavic personal name Zlatko, which means "golden" or "bright". Variations of the name include Zlatkovich and Zlatic. The name has been historically common in regions of former Yugoslavia, particularly in Serbia and Montenegro. Notable individuals with the surname Zlatkovic include athletes such as Slobodan Zlatković, a retired Serbian weightlifter who won three Olympic gold medals, and Milena Zlatkovic, a Canadian former volleyball player of Serbian descent. In genealogical records, the name can be traced back to the 17th century in Serbia, with migration to other countries occurring throughout the 19th and 20th centuries due to political upheaval and economic opportunity.

Last name distribution maps

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Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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 : 29 July 2025

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