What does Tomislav mean and where does it come from?
Tomislav is a traditional Croatian name, composed of 'tom' (meaning 'to hold') and 'slav' (meaning 'glory'). The name gained prominence due to Tomislav of Croatia, who was the first king of Croatia in the 10th century. It is a name commonly found in Croatia and has cultural significance. Various reg
Cultural significance
Tomislav has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Croatia-speaking communities, where it reflects values of to hold the glory.
Peak popularity
Reached #3174 in 1973 — currently #1769 in the US.
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Related Reading
Croatia-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Tomislav?
Tomislav works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Tomislav Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Tomislav Rose
Floral · soft ending
Tomislav Mae
Sweet · timeless
Tomislav Claire
French influence · crisp
Tomislav Jane
Literary · strong
Tomislav Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Tomislav right now?
Holding steady — currently #1769 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1769 | 431 | ▲ up 5 · +5% births |
| 2022 | #1774 | 411 | ▲ up 5 · +8% births |
| 2021 | #1779 | 381 | ▲ up 3151 · +4663% births |
| 1985 | #4930 | 8 | ▼ down 1386 · -33% births |
| 1980 | #3544 | 12 | ▲ up 619 · +50% births |
| 1975 | #4163 | 8 | ▼ down 693 · -11% births |
| 1970 | #3470 | 9 | — |
The story of Tomislav
Tomislav is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1962. With 197 total births recorded, Tomislav remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #3470 in 1970 to #1769 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Tomislav in 1973:
Tomislav by decade
Tomislav peaked in the 1970s. See all 1970s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1960s | 22 | |
| 1970s ★ | 70 | |
| 1980s | 62 | |
| 1990s | 33 | |
| 2000s | 10 | |
💎Tomislav has only 197 total recorded births since 1962 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Tomislav?
What names sound and feel like Tomislav?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Tomislav also consider these
How is Tomislav written in other languages?
What are the girl versions of Tomislav?
Common questions about the name Tomislav
What does the name Tomislav mean?
Tomislav means "to hold the glory" — a name rooted in Croatia tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Tomislav?
Tomislav is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Tomislav?
Tomislav originates from Croatia tradition. Croatia names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Tomislav?
Tomislav is a three-syllable name pronounced T AH0 M IY1 S L AA1 V. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Tomislav?
Tomislav pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Croatia heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.