Vuk

Vuk is a male given name predominantly found among Serbs, as well as among Bosnians, Croatians, Macedonians, Montenegrins, and Slovenes. The name literally means "wolf" in Serbian (and related South Slavic languages). It is also used as a surname.

Etymology and History

The name derives from the common Slavic noun vuk meaning "wolf". The renowned 19th-century Serbian philologist Vuk Karadžić explained the traditional, apotropaic use of the name: a woman who had lost several babies in succession would name her newborn son Vuk because it was believed that witches, who "ate" the babies, were afraid to attack wolves. In Serbian epic poetry, the wolf is a symbol of fearlessness. The name is also recorded in Bulgarian forms such as Vǎlko, Vǎlcho, and Vǎlkan.

Popularity

In 2021, Vuk ranked as the third most popular boy's name in Serbia, reflecting its enduring appeal.

Notable bearers include Vuk Karadžić, the reformer of the Serbian language, and Prince Vuk of the Early Middle Ages.

• Meaning: Wolf
• Origin: Slavic (Serbian)
• Type: Given name and surname
• Usage regions: Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Slovenia