Surname Markovic - Meaning and Origin

DNA Chronicles: Unravelling the Slavic and Nomadic Roots of the Surname Markovic

Peering into the depths of my genetic makeup, my iGENEA DNA test results reveal fascinating truths about my ancestral journey. They unwrap the mystery behind the surname Markovic, providing a trove of information on my lineage's geographical and cultural heritage. This genetic odyssey has elucidated our inherent interconnectedness.

I. Markovic

Markovic: What does the surname Markovic mean?

The last name Markovic is a patronymic surname of Serbian origin, which means “son of Marko”. Marko is a popular male name in Serbia that dates back to the 11th century, when a Serbian leader of the same name had a great influence over the region.

Many other countries also have the Markovic name in their respective languages, such as the Croatian word for Markovic being Markovic, the Lithuanian form being Markovich, and the German version being Markowitsch.

The surname was likely established in Serbia when given name Marko became so popular it was commonly adopted as a patronym by many males living in the region. It is thought that this surname reached its peak popularity during the early 15th and late 17th centuries, due to the influence of the powerful ruling family, the House of Karadordevic.

Outside the Balkans, the Markovic surname is now widespread throughout Europe and North America. In the United States it is most commonly found in California, Illinois, and New York.

Though the exact origin of the Markovic name is difficult to pinpoint due to the lack of historical record, it is an enduring name that continues to be found in many countries today.

Markovic: Where does the name Markovic come from?

The last name Markovic is most prominently associated with the countries of Serbia, Bulgaria, Croatia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Due to these nations’ complex history and ethnic dynamics, Markovic has become a popular surname spread throughout the Balkans and Southeastern Europe more broadly.

In Serbia, Markovic is the sixth most common last name and is especially common in its central and southern regions, such as Vojvodina and Kosovo. Likewise, it is a common name amongst Croats and a few of their minority populations, and in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Markovic surname is likewise popular.

The prevalence of the name Markovic is not only found in Europe, but also in various expatriate communities around the world. The majority of Markovics in the diaspora originate from the former Yugoslavia, many coming to the United States, Canada, Australia, and Germany to settle.

Given the historically tumultuous relations amongst the countries of the former Yugoslavia, the surname Markovic may connote a certain ethnic or national identity amongst both Serbians, Croats, and Bosnians depending upon the context in which it is used. Furthermore, due to its widespread international presence, Markovic has become a recognizable name far beyond the borders of the Balkans.

Variations of the surname Markovic

The surname Markovic comes from the name Marc which is derived from the Latin name Marcus. It is a Croatian and Serbian surname but it can be seen in countries with large Slovenian and Bosnian populations. Markovic or Markovitch is the most common variant of this surname.

Markovich is another variant that can be seen in some parts of Russia, Belarus, Ukraine, and some parts of the United States, particularly amongst those of Eastern European descent. Markovic and Markovich are synonymous, with differing emphasis on the "sh" vs. "ch" sound.

Markvart is a variant of Markovic or Markovitch and is seen mainly in the Czech Republic.

Marko, Markov, and Markovic are all variants of Markovic and are seen mainly in the Balkans. Markovich can be found as Markov in some parts of Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine.

The surname has also evolved to Markovici, Marcovici, Markovice, Markoviz, Markovitz, Malcovitch, Mallcovitch, Malkovich, and McMarkov. These variants can be found mainly in European countries such as Romania and Israel, which have large Jewish populations.

All variants of the surname Markovic have a common link to the Latin original, Marcus, which translates into English as 'warlike'. This is a tribute to the strength of the Markovic family and to all those who bear this surname.

Famous people with the name Markovic

• Sergej Markovic: Sergej Markovic is a Serbian composer and musician. He is best known for his film score work and his crossover music. His works have been performed by the London Philharmonic Orchestra, BBC Concert Orchestra, and Red Bull Symphony Orchestra, among others.
• Goran Markovic: Goran Markovic is a celebrated Serbian film director. He is highly regarded for his exploration of social issues in his films. Markovic’s credits include Mini Teater’s last movie The Unnamed (2009) and the romantic feature The Parade (2011), about a gay parade in Serbia.
• Marko Markovic: Marko Markovic is a professional trumpet player and the winner of the ECHO Jazz Instrumentalist of the Year award. He is best known for his work with his family band, Marko Markovic Brass Band. The band’s orchestral style blends traditional brass, traditional Balkan music with jazz and swing.
• Petar Markovic: Petar Markovic is a Serbian musician and composer. His music has been performed by the National Radio Symphony Orchestra and the Yugoslav National Ensemble, among others. Most recently, Petar has focused his efforts on creating music for video games.
• Zoran Markovic: Zoran Markovic is a Serbian basketball coach. He is currently the head coach of the OKK Belgrade team, where he has been since the 2000-2001 season. Zoran has also been part of the National team since 2004.
• Sasa Markovic: Sasa Markovic is a famous Serbian football player. He is best known for his career with OFK Beograd team, where he was a part of the Serbian Cup-winning team in 2005.

Other surnames

MarkovMarkovaMarkovichMarkovicsMarkovitchMarkovsMarkovsky