Zdravkova is a Bulgarian and Macedonian feminine surname, derived as the feminine form of Zdravkov, meaning “son of Zdravko”. The root name Zdravko comes from the South Slavic word zdrav (“healthy”), ultimately tracing back to Old Slavic sŭdorvŭ. As a patronymic surname, Zdravkova indicates descent from a man named Zdravko, following Slavic naming conventions where the suffix -ov or -ova denotes “son of” or “daughter of”.
Distribution and Cultural Context
The surname is primarily found in Bulgaria and North Macedonia, with smaller communities in the diaspora. According to data from Forebears, it is most concentrated in the Balkan region, though exact figures are limited. As a feminine form, Zdravkova is used strictly for women, while the masculine counterpart Zdravkov is more common. The root name Zdravko remains popular in Bulgaria, Serbia, Croatia, and Macedonia as a first name, carrying positive associations of health and vitality.
Variants and Related Names
The base name Zdravko has various diminutives and derivatives, such as Zdravko itself and its patronymic forms in different Slavic languages. Other related surnames with the same root may include Zdravkovski in Macedonian or dialectal alternatives. The underlying element zdrav also appears in other South Slavic names like Zdravimir and Zdrave.
- Meaning: Female descendant of Zdravko (“healthy”)
- Origin: South Slavic (Bulgarian, Macedonian)
- Type: Patronymic surname
- Usage regions: Bulgaria, North Macedonia
Roots
Sources: Forebears — zdravkova