Miodrag

Miodrag is a masculine given name of Slavic origin commonly used in the Balkan region, particularly in Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, and Montenegro. The name derives from the Slavic elements miъ, meaning "sweet" or "kind", and dragu, meaning "dear" or "precious," and thus is generally interpreted as "sweet beloved" or "kind dear." It has been used since the Middle Ages and remains popular among Serbian and other South Slavic communities.

The name was especially common in the former Yugoslavia during the 20th century. Many bearers of the name have achieved recognition in sports, arts, and public life. Notable individuals include Miodrag "Milo" Džambazović, a retired footballer who played for Red Star Belgrade and the Yugoslav national team; Miodrag Mijac, a Serbian painter known for his surrealistic works; and Miodrag "Miki" Dragićević, a former coach of the Serbian national basketball team. The name appears in literature and film, reflecting its cultural resonance in Slavic storytelling.

In contemporary usage, Miodrag is less common among younger generations as naming trends diversify, but it still holds a place in traditional and family naming practices. The name occasionally appears in compound forms, such as Miodrag-Đorđević, and may be transliterated in various scripts, including Cyrillic (Миодраг) and Latin. The name's enduring appeal lies in its melodic sound and affectionate meaning, a characteristic reflected in many other Slavic names that emphasize virtues like kindness and endearment.