Most common surnames in Croatia according to latest census revealed  

10 most common surnames in Croatia, according to latest census, revealed

Horvat is the most common surname in Croatia, according the results of the latest census. 

The surname Horvat comes from the word “hrvat,” which means “Croatian” and was originally used to identify people from the region of Croatia, and over time it became a common surname.

Almost 20,000 in Croatia have the surname Horvat, nearly 7,000 more than Kovačević, which came in second place.

Some Croatian surnames are based on the occupation of the individual or their ancestor, such as Kovačević (blacksmith), others are based on geographical locations, such as Dubrovčanin (from Dubrovnik), or Slavonac (from Slavonia).

In some cases, surnames were simply adapted versions of personal names, such as Ivanović (son of Ivan), or Marković (son of Marko).

In the past, women were recognised by their father’s, husband’s, brother’s, or son’s names instead of having their own last name. Croatian women’s given names date back to the 9th and 13th centuries and include names like Bela (white), Dobra (kind, good), Gruba (rough), Ljuba (a kiss), Kazimira (utterance, speak), and Mira (peace). 

Croatian Genealogy explain that many Croatian surnames today resemble these old female given names, such as Belić, Bilić, Dobrić, Grubić, Ljubić, Mirić, and Stanić.

Most Common Surnames in Croatia per 2021 census

1. Horvat – 19,705 (number of citizens) 
2. Kovačević – 13,352
3. Babić – 11,319
4. Marić 10,174
5. Jurić – 9,852
6. Novak – 9,739
7. Kovačić – 9,469
8. Knežević – 9,319
9. Vuković – 9,163
10. Matić – 8,668

Most Common Names Given To Boys Born in Croatia in 2022 

1. Luka
2. Jakov
3. David
4. Petar
5. Ivan
6. Roko
7. Mateo
8. Fran
9. Niko
10. Matej

Most Common Names Given To Girls Born in Croatia in 2022 

1. Mia
2. Lucija
3. Nika
4. Mila
5. Ema
6. Marta
7. Rita
8. Sara
9. Eva
10. Dora

You can search how common specific names are in Croatia on this form HERE.