Marinović

Marinović is a Croatian and Serbian surname, primarily of patronymic origin, meaning "son of Marin." The name Marin itself has multiple roots: it is a Romanian, Croatian, Serbian, Bulgarian, and French form of the Latin name Marinus, which in turn derives from the Roman family name Marinus. Marinus may originate from the name Marius—possibly derived from the Roman god of war, Mars, or the Latin root mas, maris meaning “male”—or from the Latin word marinus meaning “of the sea.” The name Marinović is widespread among Croatian and Serbian communities, reflecting the popularity of the given name Marin in these regions.

Etymology and Background

As a typical patronymic surname formed with the Slavic suffix -ović, Marinović means “son of Marin.” In Serbian and Croatian naming traditions, such suffixes indicate lineage and family origin. The surname can also function as a matronymic, derived from the given name Marina. The name Saint Marinus, after whom the Republic of San Marino is named, is a notable historical bearer of the root name. Marinus was a 4th-century stonemason who built a chapel on Monte Titano, establishing the foundation for the country.

Notable Bearers

The historical surname has been carried by several noteworthy individuals. In diplomacy, Jovan Marinović (1821–1893) served as a Serbian politician and diplomat, and was the prime minister of the Principality of Serbia. In the 16th century, Stefan Marinović was a Venetian printer of Serbian origin. Military figures include Pierre Marinovitch (1898–1919), a French flying ace of Serbian and Polish descent who served during World War I. In sports, notable bearers include Dario Marinović (born 1990), a Croatian futsal player; Nikola Marinovic (born 1976), an Austrian handball player; Marko Marinović (born 1983), a Serbian basketball player; Smiljana Marinović (born 1977), a Croatian Olympic breaststroke swimmer; Stefan Marinovic (born 1991), a New Zealand footballer; and Vinko Marinović (born 1971), a Bosnian football manager. In politics, Miodrag Marinović (born 1967) and Teresa Marinovic (born 1973) are Chilean politicians—the latter is a member of Chile's Constitutional Convention.

Distribution and Variants

The surname is primarily found in Croatia, Serbia, and among diaspora communities in South America and Europe. Variant forms of the surname exist across other languages: Bulgarian forms include Marinov and Marinova; Romanian uses Marin; Greek has Marinos and Marinou; Italian has Marini. The stress falls on the fourth syllable: Ma-ri-NO-vić.

• Meaning: Son of Marin
• Origin: Patronymic from Marin
• Type: Surname, patronymic
• Usage regions: Croatia, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina