Meaning & History
Petrović is a South Slavic patronymic surname meaning "son of Petar," the Slavic form of Peter derived from Greek Petros ("stone"). It is the second most frequent surname in Serbia and ranks among the top in Croatia, appearing in various forms across the Balkans.
Etymology
The suffix -vić (or -ović) is a common Slavic patronymic ending, equivalent to the English "-son." Together with Petar, the name denotes lineage or descent from a father named Petar. Cognates in other Slavic languages include Petrov in Russian, Petrosyan in Armenian, and Perković in Croatian, which share the same root. Variants prevalent in the region include Petrić, Perić, and Petković.
Historical and Cultural Significance
The surname was notably borne by the House of Petrović-Njegoš, the ruling dynasty of Montenegro from the late 17th to early 20th centuries, which produced bishops (vladikas) and monarchs. Another historically prominent bearer is Karađorđe Petrović (commonly Karageorge), leader of the First Serbian Uprising against the Ottoman Empire in the early 19th century and founder of the Karađorđević dynasty. According to the Wikipedia extract, Petrović is the most common surname in some Serbian regions and holds third or fourth place in particular Croatian counties, reflecting its deep roots in the area.
Distribution
Data indicates Petrović is highly concentrated in Serbia, but also frequent in Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, and among diaspora communities. In Croatia it ranked 11th in the 2011 census with 9,614 carriers, notably in Osijek-Baranja County (3rd), Primorje-Gorski Kotar County (4th), and the City of Zagreb (9th).
Notable Bearers
The Wikipedia extract lists numerous figures: film director Aleksandar Petrović (1929–1994), basketball player Dražen Petrović (1964–1993; often considered the surname's most famous bearers), footballers Aleksandar Petrović (b. 1914) and others, aligning with the surname's widespread appearance in arts and sports across the former Yugoslavia.
- Meaning: "son of Petar" (Slavic form of Peter)
- Origin: South Slavic patronymic (from Petar)
- Usage regions: Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro
- Variants: Perić, Perko, Perković, Petrić, Petković
Related Names
Sources: Wikipedia — Petrović