Radovan

Radovan is a masculine given name of South Slavic origin, used in Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, and among diaspora communities. It is traditionally given to boys and remains in use in contemporary times. The name is typically considered to derive from Slavic roots associated with labor, care, and joy, and it is sometimes interpreted as “joyful” or “one who brings happiness,” though exact meanings can vary by source.

In historical and cultural contexts, Radovan appears in medieval and later Balkan naming practices and folklore. It remains a recognizable and common given name in the region, reflecting broader naming patterns in South Slavic languages.

Notable people with the given name include:

- Radovan Karadžić (born 1945), Bosnian Serb former politician and convicted war criminal who served as president of Republika Srpska during the Bosnian War and was later convicted by the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia.

- Radovan Višnjić (late 17th century–early 18th century), Serbian epic poet and guslar celebrated in traditional oral literature and associated with the Serbian poetic tradition.

Beyond these figures, Radovan is borne by numerous individuals in various fields across the Balkans and in the global diaspora, reflecting its longstanding presence in South Slavic naming practices. The name remains in everyday use, with no universally fixed meaning beyond its linguistic roots.