Surname Brlica - Meaning and Origin

Brlica: What does the surname Brlica mean?

The last name Brlica is a surname of Slovenian origin. It is derived from the Slavic word “brlika”, which refers to the vibrant colourful plumage of a magpie or similar bird. This connection to birds is continued in the coat of arms of the Brilca family, with two magpies shown prominently in the design.

The name Brlica is most commonly found in the Slovenian region of Ljubljana, where it is said to have originated in the late 18th century. Today it remains relatively uncommon.

The underlying meaning of the name Brlica is one of richness in colour and diversity. In traditional Slovenian culture, magpies were widely seen as symbols of luck and prosperity, making the surname itself a reference to these concepts.

The name itself is also said to be tied to characteristics such as being vibrant, lively and determined. These traits often embody the proud Slovenian spirit and are well-suited to those who bear the surname.

The last name Brlica is a reminder of Slovenia’s long and vibrant culture, and is one of the distinguishing names of the nation’s ancient past. It is a badge of pride for those who bear it - a symbol of strength and diversity.

Brlica: Where does the name Brlica come from?

The last name Brlica is most commonly found in Croatia and other parts of the former Yugoslavia. The surname is said to have originated from Brestovac, a village located in the Dubrovnik region of Croatia.

The Brlicas are part of the Krsna Hiža family and one of their major responses have been of farming throughout the ages. As a result, most of them have stayed in the same area for centuries.

The surname is also found in some parts of Canada, the United States, and Australia as a result of immigration since the mid 1800s.

In Croatia, the prevalence of the last name Brlica is especially high in the northern part of the country, where many of its members have lived for generations. In the towns of Donji Stoliv and Crkvice, it is especially common, with many members of the family being very active in the regional communities.

The surname Brlica is also common among Croatians in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and especially in Sarajevo, where members of the family have lived since the 1600s. It is less commonly found in the other parts of the former Yugoslavia.

Overall, the last name Brlica is still used throughout the regions of the former Yugoslavia, but it remains prevalent in the Croatian region.

Variations of the surname Brlica

The surname Brlica is an old Croatian family name often spelled Brljica, Brliza and Bralica. Variants of the same origin include Butjeric, Butjic, Butjica, Briglic, Biglic and Brilic. These surnames all stem from the same root, and are believed to be derived from the medieval nickname "Brile" meaning brave or fierce. It's believed that once this nickname became attached to a particular family, it eventually evolved into the surname Brlica.

In addition to the Croatian spellings of the name, there is also a Hungarian variant, Brajlik, which is derived from the same root as the others. Throughout the years, this name and its variants have spread across Europe and the United States.

In Croatia, some of the most prominent branches of the Brlica family include the Brlica of Sibenik and the Brlica of Uzdolje. Some well-known people including singers, actors, politicians, and athletes have carried this surname, including Croatian actor and writer, Zvonimir Brlica, and Croatian International Grandmaster chess champion Alojzije Brlica.

The surname Brlica is a strong and long-standing one in Croatia, with many branches of the family continuing to bear it across the country and beyond. It continues to be shared among many with pride and family loyalty, something which has kept it alive throughout the generations.

Famous people with the name Brlica

• Matija Brlica: Croatian physicist and everyone from the Fascinating World of Insects, a popular documentary TV series
• Brlica Babic: Serbian actor who has appeared in numerous feature and television films as well as numerous TV series
• Drazen Brlica: Croatian footballer who began his long career in 1990
• Janko Brlic: Croatian writer and poet
• Jelena Brlic-Mazuranic: Croatian writer and anthroposophist who was one of the first women in Europe to publish a science fiction novel
• Pavo Brlic: Bosnian musician and composer
• Ana Brlic Mazuranic: Croatian botanist and folklorist, the first female professor in Croatia
• Janez Brlic: Slovenian anthropologist
• Ivanka Brlic-Jovanovic: Serbian chemist and biochemist, notable for her work in the field of immobilized enzyme technology
• Branimir Brlic: Serbian actor and film director

Other surnames

Brlicova