You will be hearing a lot of this... just as in the ancient territory of Croatia, names are culturally significant in this universe too.

Practical Application

Binding the suffix -ić or -ović to a first name turns it into a last name, the direct meaning being 'son/descendant of'. Taking the common first name Ivan as an example:

Ivan -> Ivanović, Ivanić, Ivić = "Son of Ivan."

Cultural Application

This tradition has majorly favored men in history, whereas the women are expected to take the man's name after marriage (which is also a very important part of Marija Strelicz's story, wink wink). It can also be used as a form of nicknaming; though mostly by family or people older than the subject. It's a sign of closeness and affection because of how it asserts that a name is worthy to be passed down in memory of said person.