Ranko

Ranko is a masculine given name used in South Slavic cultures, notably in Croatia, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro. In these contexts it is commonly used as an independent name and can also appear as a familiar or diminutive form in some naming traditions. The exact origin of Ranko is not definitively established; it is generally treated as a standalone given name in modern practice, while linguistic analyses sometimes describe it as derived from older Slavic name formations with the diminutive suffix -ko.

A related feminine form exists in some South Slavic languages, with Ranka used as a female given name in the region. Ranko may be found in combination with various surnames as a personal name, reflecting the broader patterns of Slavic naming conventions.

Historically, Ranko has been in use in the Balkans since at least the 19th century and remains present among diaspora communities in Europe and North America. It is considered a traditional and recognizable name in its region, associated with individuals across fields such as sports, arts, and public life. The name’s enduring presence reflects broader cultural naming practices in South Slavic communities rather than a single, defining figure.