The Trogrlic family history website

Trogrlic

One name.
Three throats.
Many paths.

From the fields of Studenci to the cities of Europe, this is the story of a family that persevered, moved on, and never forgot where they came from.

Dobrodošli - Welcome -Willkommen

The history of the Trogrlic family – a lineage that has proven itself through generations of struggle, courage, work and solidarity.

What once began in the rocky hills of Dalmatia and Herzegovina now lives on in the hearts of descendants throughout Croatia, Germany, the Netherlands, and beyond.

This site is a place of remembrance, sharing—and pride.
Because a name is more than just a word. It is a story.

The story of the Trogrlic family

Where it all began

Nikola, Jure & Ilija – From Escape to Root

In 1686, Nikola Trogrlić and his family fled from Studenci near Imotski to escape the Ottomans. A few decades later, part of the family returned—among them presumably the ancestors of Jure Trogrlić, born in 1762, the oldest documented ancestor of our line.

His son Ilija, called “Eljdan,” was the first to settle in the fields of Vranjače – and there, with his five sons, he laid the foundation on which many of us stand today.

More about the family chronicle

From border protection to homeland defense

Since the 18th century, bearers of the name Trogrlić have served their country – first as border guards under the Venetian flag, later at key moments in Croatian history.
One of them: Ivan Trogrlić, who died in 1991 in the explosion in the Barutana near Bjelovar.

Two coats of arms – one heritage

The Trogrlićs had two different coats of arms:
One depicts a bull’s head beneath an eight-pointed star, the other a horse framed by the Croatian braid.

Both symbols speak of struggle, endurance, courage, and movement.
And of the fact that one doesn’t have to abandon one’s origins to move forward.

Legend of the 5 Brothers

The family tells of five Trogrlić brothers, whom even the famous Hajduk Andrija Šimić respected – he supposedly didn’t even dare approach their campfire.

Whether legend or truth, it reflects the pride, reputation, and attitude of our ancestors. Without titles. Without wealth. Only courage and unity.

The Trogrlic family has spread over the centuries – but never forgotten its roots. One line, many branches. Yet one trunk.

Trogrlić

The name Trogrlić

One name, three throats – what’s behind it?

The name Trogrlić comes from Old Croatian: “tro” for three and “grlo” for throat.

Originally, it may have been a nickname for someone who had three mouths to feed – later, this became a family.

In our tradition, we say:

“One throat for drinking, one for eating, and one for singing.”

A symbol of joie de vivre, strength, and soul – to this day.

The origin of the Trogrlić family from Vranjače

The Eljdan branch from Vranjače

Where a new branch grows from old roots

Ilija “Eljdan” Trogrlić was the first of his line to settle in Vranjače – once a farmer, trader, or cattle breeder, today the progenitor of a widely branched line.
His descendants now live in Croatia, Germany, and the Netherlands – but their roots lie in the fields of Studenci.