Željko

Željko (Cyrillic: Жељко) is a South Slavic masculine given name popular in Croatia, Serbia, and Slovenia. It is derived from the South Slavic word želja meaning "desire," ultimately from the Old Slavic root želěti. Consequently, it carries the connotation of a wished-for child or earnestly desired result.

Etymology

Željko belongs to the Slavic tradition of names based on abstract concepts or virtues. Unlike many Slavic names rooted in military or natural imagery (Vladimir "to rule with greatness," Milan "gracious, dear"), Željko originates purely from an emotional state. The base word želja means "desire," making the name an explicit expression of the parents' longing for their child. This pattern is similar to Serbian Želimir, derived from željeti + mir "peace."

Distribution and Popularity

Željko was among the most common masculine given names in Croatia between the 1950s and 1970s, and held the #1 position in the 1960s. It remains very common across Croatia, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, and among the Slovene minority. The name's popularity declined after the 1970s, though it continues in use.

Feminine Form

The Slovenian feminine counterpart Željka exists, though it is much less frequently used.

Cultural Significance

Within South Slavic world, naming a child Željko was an emotional expression of love and future hopes.

Notable Bearers

Several notable Željkos include: Željko Bebek (born 1945), lead vocalist of the Yugoslav rock band Bijelo dugme from 1974 to 1984; Željko Obralić, a Serbian high jumper and Olympic participant; Željko Samardžić, a popular Serbian folk singer; Željko Brkić, a Serbian football goalkeeper; Željko Ivanović, Montenegrin and Serbian handball player and 1992 Silver Olympics medalist; Željko Sturen, a Croatian rower and 1995 World Championship medalist. In Bosnia, eminent epidemiologist Željko Bogdan gained fame for research on pandemic control.

• Meaning: "Desire" (South Slavic)
• Origin: Croatian, Serbian, Slovenian
• Masculine given name