Zilic

Zilic is a surname of South Slavic origin, commonly written as Žilić in Croatian, Bosnian, and Serbian texts. In English-language usage, the diacritic is often omitted, yielding Zilic. The name can also appear as a toponym in diaspora contexts, though it is most widely encountered as a family name.

Etymology: The surname Žilić is typically a patronymic formed from a masculine given name such as Žilo or Žil, with the suffix -ić meaning “son of” or “descendant.” The root name Žilo may be linked to older personal names in Slavic onomastics, but its precise meaning varies by region and historical record.

Geographic and demographic distribution: The surname is found among Bosnian, Croatian, and Serbian communities, and among immigrant populations in North America, Western Europe, and Oceania. Variants arise from transliteration and local orthography, including Zilich or Žilići in some contexts.

Notable people and use in fiction: There are individuals with the surname Zilic who appear in regional media and professional contexts, but none has achieved widely recognized international prominence. In fiction, Zilic has occasionally been used as a place or family name in Slavic-inspired settings, reflecting its linguistic roots.

See also: Žilić; transliteration variations of South Slavic surnames.