Dusko

Dusko is a masculine given name used in the Balkan region, particularly in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro, and Serbia. In local naming traditions, Dusko often appears as a formal name or as a diminutive form of Dušan. The form with diacritics, Duško, is standard in many South Slavic languages, while Dusko is the common transliteration in English-language contexts. In Cyrillic, the name is Душко.

Etymology and usage: The name is linked to the Slavic root related to the word duša, meaning “soul” or “spirit,” and thus can carry connotations of vitality or liveliness. It functions both as an independent given name and as a nickname for Dušan. Variants include Duško and Dusko, with diacritics reflecting pronunciation in native languages.

Notable people: The name has been borne by several Balkan figures in culture and public life. Notable individuals include Duško Radović, a Serbian writer and journalist known for his contributions to literature and broadcasting; Duško Tošić, a Serbian professional footballer; and Duško Popov, a Bosnian-born spy who served with Allied intelligence during World War II.

Distribution and cultural perception: Dusko is widely recognized within the former Yugoslavia and among diaspora communities. While most bearers are male, the name does not have a distinct widely used feminine form in common use. Across its regions, Dusko remains a traditional and enduring name with a recognizable Balkan character.