In Croatia, Velija families are mainly Albanians (from Vrbovec area ), rarely Roms (from Bosnian Posavina ), and very rarely Bosniaks (from Hrvatska Kostajnica area ). In the past century, relatively most of Croatian residents bearing this family name were born in Bosanian Posavina (Bosanski Novi area) and in Vrbovec area.
Prevalence
About 40 people with faimily name Velija live in Croatia today, in 13 households. They are located in 7 Croatian counties, in 6 cities and 5 other places, mostly in Petrinja (15), Zagreb (<10), Split (<10), Donji Hrastovac in Hrvatska Kostajnica area (<5), and in Krizevci (<5).
Outside Croatia
Family name Velija (including: Velieva , Veliya and Velilya ) is present in 32 countries worldwide. The family name "Velija " is used by some 100 people in Albania , small number in Germany , and small number of people in the United States.
