Why Croatia’s ‘-ić’ Surnames Rekindle Memories of Bulgaria’s USA ’94 Squad

I’ve noticed that Croatian names at this World Cup have a rhythmic feel. Many end in “-ić,” like Modrić, Perišić, Livaković, Sučić, Stanišić, and Pašalić. It feels like an “-ić” parade on the pitch. That suffix is a South Slavic patronymic and diminutive. It essentially means “son of” or “little one of,” much like “-son” in English surnames such as Johnson or Anderson. It speaks to a strong sense of family heritage. It instantly takes me back to Bulgaria’s Golden Generation at USA ’94. Names like Stoichkov, Balakov, Letchkov, and Kostadinov all ended in “-ov” or “-kov.” They were the first European side Nigeria beat at a World Cup. I still remember staying up late to watch Yekini, Amokachi, and Amuneke make history.

Use The App To Win ₦1m

Stories are shared by community members. This article does not represent the official view of NaijaWorld — the author is solely responsible for its content.