Branimir was duke of the Dalmatian Croats from 879 to 892. He was the first to be recognized by Pope John VIII as the 'dux Chroatorum', or duke of the Croats. This was one of the first recognitions of an independent Croatian state.
This approval from the Holy See was brought about by Branimir's own actions to bring the Croats further from the influence of Byzantium and closer to the Roman Catholic Church. Branimir wrote to John VIII affirming this split from Byzantine and commitment to the Roman papacy.
Branimir's reign was followed by duke Mutimir's.
Currently, the Croatian government presents the Order of Duke Branimir as one of its highest state honours.