Vedad

Vedad is a Bosnian masculine given name, derived from the Arabic name Widad. Widad itself means "love" in Arabic, stemming from the root ودّ (wadda), meaning "to love." As such, Vedad carries the connotations of love and friendship.

Etymology and Cultural Context

The name Vedad is particularly popular among Bosniaks in the former Yugoslav nations, including Bosnia and Herzegovina. Its adoption into Bosnian culture reflects the historical influence of Arabic and Islamic naming traditions following the Ottoman period. The Turkish variant Vedat is a closely related form.

Notable Bearers

Several notable individuals bear the name Vedad:

• Vedad Ibišević (born 1984), a well-known Bosnian footballer who played for clubs like VfB Stuttgart, Hoffenheim, and the Bosnia and Herzegovina national team.
• Vedad Karic (born 1988), a Bosnian cyclist.
• Vedad Radonja (born 2001), a Bosnian footballer.

Summary

• Meaning: "love" or "friendship"
• Origin: Arabic, via the name Widad
• Type: Given name (masculine)
• Regions: Bosnia and Herzegovina, broader Balkans (among Bosniaks)