Petko

Petko is a masculine given name widely used in Bulgaria and among South Slavic communities in North Macedonia, Serbia, and nearby regions. It appears as a stand‑alone first name in modern usage and is also commonly understood as a diminutive or affectionate form derived from Petar, though many people named Petko are not necessarily named Petar at birth.

Etymology: The name is rooted in the given name Petar, which itself derives from the Greek Petros, meaning rock or stone. The suffix -ko is a diminutive or familiar ending in South Slavic languages, giving Petko a warmer or more intimate quality.

Usage and cultural context: Petko has medieval roots in Slavic naming conventions and remains in use today across generations. In Bulgaria and in neighboring regions with Bulgarian cultural influence, the name is widely recognized and encountered in historical records, literature, and contemporary life. It often carries no specific occupational or class association and is treated as a standard given name in official documents.

Related forms: The surname Petrov is a patronymic derived from Petar, indicating descent from a person named Petar rather than from Petko specifically. The broader family of Petar‑derived names reflects the linkage between traditional Bulgarian and South Slavic naming practices.