THE STORY BEHIND THE SURNAME ZUKANOVIĆ

The surname Zukanović originates from Bosnia and Herzegovina and is most closely tied to Bosniak heritage. Like many South Slavic names, it follows a patronymic tradition—formed from the male given name Žukan (often shortened to Zuko) with the suffix -ović, meaning “son of” or “descendant of.” Put simply, Zukanović means “son of Žukan.”

Family names like Zukanović became standardized during the Ottoman era, when they were recorded for census and taxation purposes, and later reinforced under Austro-Hungarian rule. Migration over the centuries spread the surname across neighboring regions such as Croatia, Serbia, and Montenegro, and eventually into diaspora communities in Europe and North America. Today, Zukanović reflects a proud Bosnian heritage while also representing a global family presence.