This page needs Javascript enabled in order to work properly. Click here for instructions on how to enable it in your browser.
Surname Header Image
Get access to Slavic family records.Start a 14-Day Free Trial

Slavic Family History

Slavic Surname Meaning

Slovenian (Slavič) and Croatian (Slavić) are nicknames derived from the Slovenian archaic slavič and Croatian slavić, which mean ‘nightingale’. This designation likely refers to someone with a good voice.

Additionally, these names are patronymic in nature, stemming from a short form of various personal names that include the Slavic element slav, which translates to ‘glory’ or ‘famous’ (from slava meaning ‘glory’).

As a point of comparison, one can look at similar names such as Slavich and Slavick.

Source: Dictionary of American Family Names 2nd edition, 2022


Similar surnames: 

Search for a relative to learn more about your family history.

Hint: Try searching for a relative alive in 1940.

Where is the Slavic family from?

You can see how Slavic families moved over time by selecting different census years. The Slavic family name was found in the USA, and Canada between 1880 and 1920. The most Slavic families were found in USA in 1920. In 1911 there were 2 Slavic families living in Quebec. This was about 67% of all the recorded Slavic's in Canada. Quebec had the highest population of Slavic families in 1911.
Use census records and voter lists to see where families with the Slavic surname lived. Within census records, you can often find information like name of household members, ages, birthplaces, residences, and occupations.
Mapbox
© Mapbox © OpenStreetMap Improve this map

What did your Slavic ancestors do for a living?

In 1940, Miner and Helper were the top reported jobs for men and women in the USA named Slavic. 34% of Slavic men worked as a Miner and 100% of Slavic women worked as a Helper.

View Census Data for Slavic | Data not to scale

*We display top occupations by gender to maintain their historical accuracy during times when men and women often performed different jobs.

United States shown, Canada data unavailable

Top Male Occupations In 1940

  • Miner
    34%
  • Fireman
    34%
  • Coal Digger
    34%

Top Female Occupations In 1940

  • Helper
    100%

What Slavic family records will you find?

Census Records

There are 557 census records available for the last name Slavic. Like a window into their day-to-day life, Slavic census records can tell you where and how your ancestors worked, their level of education, veteran status, and more.

Search Canadian census records for Slavic

Passenger Lists

There are 354 immigration records available for the last name Slavic. Passenger lists are your ticket to knowing when your ancestors arrived in Canada, and how they made the journey - from the ship name to ports of arrival and departure.

View all Slavic immigration records

Draft Cards

There are 139 military records available for the last name Slavic. For the veterans among your Slavic ancestors, military collections provide insights into where and when they served, and even physical descriptions.

View all Slavic military records

You've only scratched the surface of Slavic family history

Discover More

What is the average Slavic lifespan?

Between 1962 and 2003, in the United States, Slavic life expectancy was at its lowest point in 1962, and highest in 1995. The average life expectancy for Slavic in 1962 was 35, and 69 in 2003.

View Social Security Death Index (SSDI) for Slavic

An unusually short lifespan might indicate that your Slavic ancestors lived in harsh conditions. A short lifespan might also indicate health problems that were once prevalent in your family. The SSDI is a searchable database of more than 70 million names. You can find birthdates, death dates, addresses and more.

Discover the unique achievements of ancestors in the Slavic family tree

Explore Your Tree
Search for another surname
Enter last name/surname
Start a 14-Day Free Trial