Introduction

As a Serb, there are many legendary figures to look to for inspiration. Your parents and grandparents should be your first heroes. But beyond them, history offers a gallery of giants. These are Serbs whose lives and deeds shaped a nation and left their mark on the world. You’ll notice a common thread. Their suffering built resilience. It forged endurance. They all embody that elusive Serbian Soul. This list only scratches the surface. Skim it to learn the names, or dig deeper. Either way, these are great Serbs to know.

Great Serbs
who shaped the nation:
The essential list

☦️ Serbian spiritual
pillars + saints

St. Sava

St. Sava is a revered saint in the Orthodox Christian tradition. Founder of the Serbian Orthodox Church and a symbol of unity, education, and peace. Born Rastko Nemanjić in Ras, Serbian Grand Principality (now Serbia), 1174–1236.

St. Vladika Nikolaj Velimirović

Serbian Orthodox Bishop, thinker, and martyr. A modern-day saint known for his powerful sermons and writings. Known for his powerful sermons and writings. He endured imprisonment by the Nazis and later persecution by the communist regime for his steadfast defense of Serbian Orthodoxy. Born in Lelić (near Valjevo), Kingdom of Serbia, 1881–1956.

Patriarch Pavle

The Walking Saint. Humble, wise, and deeply loved. His quiet strength guided Serbia through turbulent times. Born in Kućanci, Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes (now Croatia), 1914–2009.

St. Vasilije Ostroski

Renowned Serbian Orthodox saint, miracle worker, and protector. Born in Mrkonjići (near Trebinje) Herzegovina Eyalet, Ottoman Empire — now Republika Srpska — 1610–1671.

👑 Serbian
czars + kings

Stefan Nemanja (St. Simeon)

Father of St. Sava and founder of the Nemanjić dynasty. Grand Prince (Veliki Župan) of Serbia and founder of the Nemanjić dynasty — he laid the foundation of Serbian statehood. He later became a monk . Born in Ribnica (now Podgorica), Serbian Grand Principality (now Montenegro), c. 1113–1199

Czar Dušan the Mighty (Stefan Uroš IV Dušan Nemanjić)

Emperor of the Serbs and Greeks. Under his rule, medieval Serbia reached its greatest territorial and cultural height. Known for the Dušan's Code, one of Europe’s oldest legal systems. After his death in 1371, the Nemanjić dynasty ended, and Serbia entered a period of decline, eventually leading up to Ottoman conquest. He was the last Serbian Czar or Emperor. His son, Uroš V “the Weak,” was the last Nemanjić ruler. Born in Byzantine Empire — now Serres, Greece — 1308–1355.

⚔️ Serbian martyrs + warriors:
Kosovo and Metohija

Knez (Prince) Lazar Hrebeljanović

Martyred at the Битка на Косову (Battle of Kosovo) in 1389. A symbol of sacrifice for faith and fatherland. Never crowned czar or king, but ruled the most powerful Serbian territory. Born in Prilepac, Serbian Kingdom — now Serbia — c. 1329–1389.

Miloš Obilić, Ivan Kosančić i Toplica Milan

Legendary knights of the Battle of Kosovo 1389 known for their heroism. Miloš Obilić famously slew the Ottoman sultan. Today, all three are commemorated through historic Beograd quarters — Обилићев венац (Obilićev Venac), Косанчићев венац (Kosančićev Venac), and Топличин венац (Topličin Venac) — that honour their lasting legacy. Birthplaces uncertain; active late 14th century.

Pavle Orlović

Knight of the Battle of Kosovo famed for loyalty and honour. He is famously depicted in Uroš Predić’s painting Kosovka Devojka, symbolizing the spirit of sacrifice. Details of birth unknown; a medieval Serbian nobleman active late 14th century.

‘Czarica’ Milica

Wife of Lazar who held Serbia together after his death. Known for strength, wisdom, and diplomacy. Born in Brvenik, Serbian Kingdom — now Serbia — c. 1335–1405.

Kosovka Devojka

Mythical maiden who tended wounded heroes after the Battle of Kosovo. A symbol of compassion and courage in Serbian folklore. She is famously depicted in Uroš Predić’s painting Kosovka Devojka.

🇷🇸 Serbian
freedom fighters

Karađorđe Petrović

Leader of the First Serbian Uprising (1804–13). The fire-starter of modern Serbian independence and founder of the Karađorđević dynasty. Born in Viševac, Ottoman Empire — now Serbia — 1768–1817.

Miloš Obrenović

Leader of the Second Serbian Uprising and skilled statesman (1815). Founder of the Obrenović dynasty, known for diplomacy and persistence. Born in Donji Milanovac, Ottoman Empire — now Serbia — 1780–1860.

King Peter I Karađorđević

The Liberator. Led Serbia through war and exile with dignity and courage. Beloved for his leadership in the Balkan Wars and WWI. King Peter I was the son of Prince Alexander Karađorđević, who was the son of Karađorđe. Born in Beograd, Principality of Serbia — 1844–1921.

🇷🇸Serbian
military heroes

Stepa Stepanović

WWI field marshal and hero. Known for bravery, strategic skill, and loyalty to his people. Led the Serbian Second Army in the fierce Battle of Drina (1914), helping hold the Austro-Hungarian invasion. Born in Kumodraž, Principality of Serbia — 1856–1929.

Živojin Mišić

Brilliant strategist. Key to victory at the Battle of Kolubara (1914). A general of great mind and heart. Remembered for his fearless motto: „Ко сме — тај може. Ко не зна за страх — тај иде напред!“ (He who dares — can. He who knows no fear — moves forward!) Born in Struganik, Principality of Serbia — 1855–1921.

Petar Bojović

One of Serbia’s top military leaders. Key figure in shaping the modern Serbian army. Born in Mišar, Principality of Serbia — 1858–1945.

✍🏻 Serbian
poets & writers

Petar II Petrović-Njegoš

Philosopher-prince. Serbian Orthodox Bishop. Epic poet. The Serbian Shakespeare. Famous work: Горски вијенац (The Mountain Wreath) is a Serbian literary crown jewel — written at age 33. A national soul in words. Born in Njeguši, near Cetinje, Montenegro — 1813–1851.

Matija Bećković

Living legend. Defender of the Serbian language and spirit.
His poetry keeps tradition alive with clarity, wit, and pride.
Famous work: Богородица Тројеручица (The three-handed Mother of God) — a deeply spiritual poem reflecting on divided brothers and the struggle for unity. Born in Senta, Kingdom of Yugoslavia — now Serbia — b. 1939.

Miloš Crnjanski

Master of exile and identity. His works wrestle with memory, belonging, and the soul of a scattered people. Famous work: Сеобе (Migrations) — a powerful novel about displacement and longing. Born in Csongrád, Austria-Hungary — now Hungary — 1893–1977.

🎨 Serbian artists
+ cultural Icons

Uroš Predić

Painter of the Serbian soul. Capturing faith, hardship, and heroism with quiet dignity. Famous work: Косовка девојка (The Kosovo Maiden) — a powerful symbol of sacrifice and Serbian spirit. Born in Orlovat, Banat Military Frontier, Austrian Empire — now Serbia.

Paja Jovanović

The master of Serbian history on canvas. Epic scenes, heroic figures — his brush made legends immortal. Famous work: Сеоба Срба (The Migration of the Serbs) — a heroic vision of the nation’s journey. Born in Vršac, Banat Military Frontier, Austrian Empire — now Serbia.

Sava Šumanović

Modernist with a tragic fate. His art was bold, personal, silenced by war, remembered as a martyr of beauty. Famous work: Купачице (Bathing Women) — bold, lyrical portraits that became his artistic signature. Born in Vinkovci Austro-Hungarian Empire — now Croatia — 1896–1942, executed by Croatian Ustaše.

💡 Scientists + innovators

Nikola Tesla

The unmatched genius of electricity. A Serbian name known around the world. Famous contribution: Alternating current (AC), the Tesla coil, and dozens of inventions that shaped the modern era. Born in Smiljan, Austrian Empire, now Croatia, 1856–1943.

Mihajlo Pupin

Physicist, inventor, and Serbian patriot. Helped build modern American science and diplomacy. Famous contribution: Pupin coils — extended long-distance telephone communication.
Born in Idvor, Banat Military Frontier, Austrian Empire —now Serbia — 1858–1935.

Mileva Marić

Brilliant physicist and Einstein’s first wife. Note: Her influence on the theory of relativity is now gaining long-overdue recognition. Famous contribution: Collaborative work during Einstein’s early, groundbreaking years. Born in Titel, Austria-Hungary —now Serbia — 1875–1948.

🎾 Sports legends +
cultural ambassadors

Novak Đoković

Best tennis player in the world. Known for dominance, resilience, love of freedom, and deep national pride. Famous achievements: Too numerous to list. Multiple Grand Slam titles and long-time world No. 1. Born in Beograd, Serbia, b. 1987.

Nikola Jokić

Basketball MVP. Humble, brilliant, and grounded — a new kind of hero. Famous achievements: Two-time NBA MVP and NBA Champion. Born in Sombor, Serbia, b. 1995.

Milorad Čavić

Olympic medalist and Serbian patriot. He made headlines by wearing a “Косово је Србија’’ t-shirt on the podium at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and was stripped of his medal for voicing this. Born in Anaheim, USA, b. 1984.

Conclusion

Serbia is small, but shaped by giants. Saints, warriors, artists, and visionaries carved its soul. They suffered, fought, created, and sacrificed. Through them, Serbia was born, defended, and honoured. Let their names live on — in memory, prayer, and action. Let them guide your choices. As Petar II Petrović-Njegoš himself would say:

The Essential List: Great Serbs to know.