Our family's roots are anchored in two distinct regions of Bosnia-Herzegovina, shaped by different histories and cultures.
Šimunac & Perković families
Western Bosnia-Herzegovina. The Šimunac surname has strong roots in the Livno area (and historically in the Benkovac region of Dalmatia). The Perković surname is nearly synonymous with Western Bosnia—in villages like Mijakovo Polje and Potok near Livno, "every second inhabitant" bears this name, suggesting our Perković ancestors likely came from these villages.
Culture: Bosnian Croat, Catholic tradition
Hatibović & Manjo families
Eastern Bosnia-Herzegovina. Both the Hatibović and Manjo surnames converge on Foča, a historic town on the Drina River. The Hatibović name derives from the Arabic "khatib" (preacher), reflecting the Islamic heritage of this Bosniak family. The Manjo surname is extremely rare, likely localized to the Foča area.
Culture: Bosniak, Muslim tradition
Our family represents a cross-ethnic Yugoslav-era marriage: a Bosnian Croat (Catholic) father and a Bosniak (Muslim) mother. This blending of cultures and traditions is at the heart of our family's story.
What genealogical research reveals about our family surnames and their geographic distribution.
Catholic parish records in Bosnia-Herzegovina were introduced in the late 18th century. FamilySearch has some church records for the Jajce/Livno region from 1878 onward. The Franciscan order has a strong historical presence in central Bosnia, which may preserve additional genealogical records. Muslim records and Ottoman-era documents for the Foča region are held in various Bosnian archives.
The broader historical periods that shaped our family's story.
If you have information about any of these questions, please reach out! Family history research is a living process, and your knowledge could help fill important gaps.
❓ What was Jela Šimunac's maiden name? Do we have records of her family?
❓ What was the maiden name of Ruža Perković? Any family connections in the Livno villages?
❓ Do we have photographs or stories from Stipan Šimunac and Stipe Perković?
❓ What was the name of Agata's sister? Who were Nevenka and Šima's father?
❓ Do we have any information about Omer Manjo's wife or family connections in Foča?
❓ Are there church records (Catholic or parish records) we can access for Jajce or Livno from 1878–1920?
❓ Do Hatibović family members in Bosnia or elsewhere have ancestral documents or family records?
❓ Are there cousins or relatives in other countries (diaspora communities) who might have family stories or documents?