Mihailović is a Serbian patronymic surname, meaning "son of Mihailo." The root name Mihailo is itself a Serbian form of Michael, originating from the Hebrew name Miḵaʾel, which translates to "who is like God?" — a rhetorical question underscoring the uniqueness of God.Etymology and Linguistic OriginsThe name Michael, from which Mihailović derives, has deep roots in the Abrahamic traditions. In the Bible, Michael is an archangel, the protector of Israel (Daniel 12:1) and the leader of heaven's armies against Satan (Revelation 12:7–9). The patronymic suffix -ović is characteristic of Serbian and other South Slavic surnames, indicating lineage or descent. Thus, Mihailović literally means "descendant of Mihailo." Variants such as Mihajlović exist, reflecting phonetic variations common in Serbian orthography.Historical and Cultural ContextThe surname Mihailović is historically associated with notable Serbs across various fields, including military, politics, arts, and sports. One of the most prominent bearers was Draža Mihailović (1893–1946), the leader of the Yugoslav royalist resistance movement (Chetniks) during World War II. Konstantin Mihailović (1435–1501) was a Serbian soldier and memoirist who wrote about his experiences as a Janissary in the Ottoman Empire. In modern times, the surname is carried by artists like painter Milorad Bata Mihailović (1923–2011) and athletes such as footballer Zoran Mihailović (born 1996).Related Surnames and VariantsThe patronymic structure of Mihailović is mirrored in other Slavic languages. In Bulgarian, similar surnames include Mihaylov and Mihaylova (feminine), as well as shorter forms like Mihov and Mihova. These all derive from forms of Michael. The given name Mihailo itself has international cognates such as Michel (French) and Michael (English).Notable Bearers in HistoryThe Wikipedia article on Mihailović lists several individuals from different centuries, including:Doksim Mihailović (1883–1912) – military commander in the Balkan Wars.Stevča Mihailović (1804–1888) – a prominent politician in 19th-century Serbia.Vladimir Mihailović (born 1990) – Serbian professional basketball player.These examples illustrate the surname's endurance from medieval times to the present.Summary of Key FactsMeaning: "Son of Mihailo" (Michael)Origin: Serbian patronymic, from Biblical MichaelType: SurnameUsage regions: Primarily Serbia and the Serbian diaspora