Croatia’s most popular baby names for 2025 revealed

The latest data from the Ministry of Justice, Public Administration and Digital Transformation has revealed which names parents in Croatia most often chose for their newborns in 2025.

Now in its 36th annual edition, the statistics show that while tradition remains strong, new trends and influences are shaping naming choices across the country.

After years of dominance by names such as Mia and Marija, Lucija has become the most popular girls’ name of 2025, with 93 newborns receiving the name in the first three months of the year.

Close behind are Marta (89) and Nika (86), followed by Mia (81) and Rita (75).

Once Croatia’s perennial favourite, Marija has seen a notable decline, now ranking just 26th.

There are still more than 126,000 women named Marija in Croatia.

Among boys, Luka continues to dominate as Croatia’s most popular baby name, with 143 newborns bearing the name. David follows in second place (112), Jakov in third (109), and Toma (105) and Niko (94) complete the top five.

Interestingly, the names Leon and Leonardo saw a big increase this year, a trend some attribute to renewed attention around Pope Leo (Papa Lav), whose name has sparked fresh interest among Croatian parents.

Parents continue to favour short, timeless names that bridge traditional and modern styles. Names like Jakov, Marta, Nika, Ema, and Mateo demonstrate how Croatia’s naming culture remains rooted in simplicity and heritage, even as tastes evolve.

Most Popular Names in 2025

Male Names – Number

1. Luka – 143 
2. David – 112
3. Jakov – 109
4. Toma – 105
5. Niko – 94
6. Mateo – 92
7. Peter – 86
8. Ivan – 85
9. Rocco – 80
10. Simon – 79
11. Joseph – 74
12. Michael – 72
13. Lovro – 70
14. Matthew – 69
15. Fran – 67
16. Noah – 64
17. Borna – 61
18. Mark – 60
19. Charles – 58
20. Leon – 51

Female Names – Number

1. Lucia – 93
2. Marta – 89
3. Nika – 86
4. Mia – 81
5. Rita – 75
6. Mila – 67
7. Sara – 66
8. Emma – 59
9. Eva – 59
10. Lara – 49
11. Tena – 48
12. Dora – 47
13. Hanna – 47
14. Franka – 45
15. Anna – 43
16. Laura – 43
17. Vita – 43
18. Una – 41
19. Lana – 37
20. Nora – 37