Predrag

Predrag is a masculine given name of South Slavic origin, common in Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro. It is used among speakers of Serbian, Croatian, Bosnian, and Montenegrin, and appears in diaspora communities around the world.

Etymology: The name is formed from two Slavic elements: pred- meaning “before” or “in front of,” and drag meaning “dear” or “beloved.” The combination is typically interpreted as conveying affection or precedence, such as “one who is dear from the beginning.”

Usage and forms: Predrag is a traditional name in the South Slavic linguistic area. Common diminutives include Preda and Peđa. In Cyrillic script, the name is written Предраг.

Notable people: Notable individuals named Predrag include Predrag Stojaković, known as Peja, a Serbian-born Canadian-American former professional basketball player who spent much of his career in the NBA; and Predrag Mijatović, a Montenegrin-Serbian former footballer who played as a striker for Real Madrid and other clubs. The name is also borne by various athletes, politicians, and professionals across the former Yugoslavia and its successor states.