Bakula

Bakula is a surname of Slavic origin used by families in Southeastern Europe and among diaspora communities. It is most commonly found among populations in Croatia, Slovenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Serbia, with descendants living in North America and elsewhere.

The precise etymology of Bakula is not well established. Like many Slavic surnames, it may derive from a diminutive or patronymic form related to a given name or nickname, or from a toponymic source. Some explanations tentatively link it to the word baka, meaning grandmother or elder, but such connections are speculative.

Notable bearers include Scott Bakula (born 1954), an American actor known for his roles in Quantum Leap and Star Trek: Enterprise.

As a surname, Bakula does not denote a single occupation or regional identity beyond its Slavic origins, and it is carried by individuals of diverse backgrounds in many countries.