Blažević is a common Croatian surname meaning "son of Blaž," itself a form of Blaise. The suffix -ević is a typical Slavic patronymic ending, indicating lineage. The name is widespread in Croatia, ranking among the most common surnames in several counties.EtymologyThe root name Blaise derives from the Roman name Blasius, which comes from Latin blaesus meaning "lisping." Saint Blaise, a 4th-century Armenian martyr, popularized the name in Christian contexts. Over time, Blaise evolved into various forms across Europe; in South Slavic regions, the diminutive Blaž emerged, and from this the patronymic Blažević developed.Distribution and Notable BearersBlažević is one of the most frequent surnames in three Croatian counties, reflecting its deep regional roots. Notable bearers include Miroslav "Ćiro" Blažević (1935–2023), a celebrated football manager who led the Croatian national team to a third-place finish in the 1998 FIFA World Cup; Jakov Blažević (1912–1996), a politician in socialist Yugoslavia; and more contemporary figures such as footballers Ante Blažević, Davor Blažević, and Ivan Blažević. Others include singer Roko Blažević, handball player Valentina Blažević, and politician Anamarija Blažević. The name also appears among diaspora communities, as seen in Czech-born human rights activist Igor Blaževič and Swedish footballer Davor Blažević.Cultural SignificanceIn Croatian onomastics, surnames ending in -ević or -ić typically denote patronage or family lineage. Blažević is part of a wider family of names across Slavic languages: Czech has Bláha and Bláhová; Slovak uses Blažek and Czech Blažková; Hungarian has Balázs; and French retains the original Blaise.Key FactsMeaning: "Son of Blaž"Origin: Croatian, from Latin Blasius (lisping)Type: Patronymic surnameUsage regions: Croatia (especially three counties), also in other South Slavic and diaspora communitiesRelated names: Blaž, Blaise, Bláha, Blažek, Balázs