Zvonko

Zvonko is a masculine given name of South Slavic origin. It is derived from the noun zvono, meaning “bell,” with the suffix -ko forming a personal name. The form and meaning are cognate across languages such as Croatian, Serbian, Bosnian, and Montenegrin, and the name has been used in various South Slavic communities for generations.

The name is most common in Croatia, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro, and it has spread to diaspora communities in Europe and North America. A common diminutive form is Zvone, which is frequently used in informal contexts. Zvonko does not have a standardized English equivalent, but it is often kept in cultural or regional usage when transliterated.

Notable bearers include Zvonko Bušić (1949–2013), a Croatian political activist associated with Croatian nationalist movements in the late 20th century. While not exhaustive, this reference illustrates the name’s continued presence among individuals who have been publicly recognized in regional histories.

Overall, Zvonko is considered a traditional regional name that remains in occasional use today, reflecting naming practices that draw on folklore and historical roots within South Slavic communities.