Velibor

Velibor is a masculine given name of Slavic origin, primarily used in Croatian and Serbian contexts.

Etymology

The name is composed of two ancient Slavic elements: velĭ, meaning "great," and borti, meaning "battle." Thus, the literal meaning is "great battle." A secondary interpretation found in folk etymology connects it to the phrase "tall pine tree," though linguists trace its roots to the martial compound.

Notable Bearers

Several notable individuals bear the name across sports, politics, and the arts:

• Velibor Đurić (born 1982), Bosnian football player
• Velibor Jonić (died 1946), Serbian politician and World War II minister
• Velibor Kopunović (born 1975), football player
• Velibor Milutinović (born 1944), Serbian-Mexican football coach and former player
• Velibor Pudar (born 1964), football manager and former goalkeeper
• Velibor Radović (born 1972), Montenegrin-Israeli basketball player
• Velibor Topić (born 1970), actor
• Velibor Vasilić (born 1980), Bosnian football player
• Velibor Vasović (1939–2002), Serbian football player

The name is widely distributed in the former Yugoslavia, with a strong presence in Bosnia, Serbia, Montenegro, and among diaspora communities.

Key Facts

• Meaning: "great battle"
• Origin: Slavic
• Type: Masculine first name
• Usage: Croatian, Serbian