Tvrtko

Tvrtko, originally spelt "Tvrtko" in South Slavic languages, is a masculine given name of Croatian and Bosnian origin. It is derived from the Slavic root *tvrti*, meaning “to hold steadfast” or “fortified”, thus conveying a sense of resilience or steadfastness. The name has been borne by several notable individuals in the medieval period and contemporary times, most prominently by Tvrtko I, king of Bosnia from 1335 until his death in 1391.

Tvrtko I, also known as Tvrtko I Kotromanić, was the first monarch of the Kingdom of Bosnia. Ascending to the throne after the death of King Ostoja, he expanded Bosnia’s territorial reach, annexed neighboring Herzegovina, and established the royal title “Rex Bosne” (King of Bosnia). He sought to strengthen Christianity in the region, building a number of churches, while at the same time fostering trade with neighboring states and the Ottoman Empire. His reign marked the height of Bosnian independence and cultural development, beginning the era of Bosnian medieval literature and architecture. Culturally, Tvrtko I is recognized for his patronage of the Franciscan order and the proclamation of the Tvrtnic declaration, which was an early attempt at codifying local law.

Today, the name Tvrtko remains common in Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, symbolising a connection to medieval Slavic heritage and the resilience of the region’s cultural identity. It is also occasionally used as a surname.