Find out how popular the last name Zabalza is in the United States and learn more about the meaning, history, and race and ethnic origin of people in America who are named Zabalza.

Zabalza, like all of the last names we have data for, is identified by the U.S. Census Bureau as a surname which has more than 100 occurrences in the United States in the Decennial Census survey. The most recent statistics we have for the Zabalza surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Zabalza in America

Zabalza is the 76533rd most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Zabalza surname appeared 251 times in the 2010 census and if you were to sample 100,000 people in the United States, approximately 0 people would have the surname Zabalza.

We can also compare 2010 data for Zabalza to data from the previous census in 2000. The table below contains all of the statistics for both years in a side-by-side comparison.

The history of the last name Zabalza

The surname Zabalza has its origins in the Basque Country, an autonomous community in northern Spain and southwestern France. This region is known for its unique language, Euskara, which is distinct from other European languages. The Basque region is characterized by its rolling hills and rugged terrain, and surnames often derive from the natural environment or ancestral occupations. The surname Zabalza is likely derived from the Basque word "zabal," which means "wide" or "broad," with the suffix "-za" indicating a place. Hence, it can be interpreted to mean "broad place" or "wide area."

The earliest roots of the surname Zabalza are associated with rural areas and small villages in the Navarre region, specifically around the town of Zabalza. This settlement is nestled in the lush landscapes of northern Spain, and its name reflects the open expanses of land typical of the region. Historical references to the name can be found in medieval texts and local records, indicating the longstanding presence of families bearing the surname.

One of the earliest recorded examples of the surname Zabalza is from the late Middle Ages, with records dating back to the 13th century. During this period, many Basque surnames were formalized, often in relation to land ownership and local governance. A notable historical figure bearing the surname is Juan de Zabalza, a 16th-century nobleman from Navarre, who played a significant role in regional politics. His involvement in various legal and territorial disputes is documented in court records from the early 1500s.

Moving forward in time, the name continues to appear in historical documents. For instance, Martin de Zabalza, born in 1612 and died in 1678, was a prominent landowner and farmer in the Navarre region. His extensive holdings and successful management practices were frequently mentioned in local tax records and agricultural reports.

In the 18th century, the surname Zabalza appears in ecclesiastical documents. Father Francisco Zabalza, born in 1734 and died in 1798, was a well-respected priest in the Diocese of Pamplona. His contributions to the church included the establishment of schools and the promotion of local charitable works. His life and achievements were chronicled in the diocesan archives, highlighting his influence in both religious and social spheres.

The 19th century saw the emergence of the surname in the context of the Carlist Wars, with Antonio Maria Zabalza, a soldier born in 1822 and died in 1889, fighting in the conflict. His military service is documented in various military archives, showing his participation in significant battles and his rise through the ranks.

In the realm of academia, Vicente de Zabalza, born in 1851 and died in 1907, was a noted historian and professor at the University of Salamanca. His scholarly works on the history of Navarre and Basque culture are still referenced today, and his extensive publications have secured his place in the annals of academic history.

The Zabalza surname, with its deep roots in the Basque Country, continues to be a symbol of heritage and identity for those who carry it. The historical records, ranging from medieval court documents to modern academic contributions, demonstrate the enduring legacy of the Zabalza family. The linguistic origins, combined with historical prominence, paint a rich tapestry of cultural and ancestral significance.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Zabalza

We also have some data on the ancestry of people with the surname Zabalza.

The below race categories are the modified race categories used in the Census Bureau's population estimates program. All people were categorized into six mutually exclusive racial and Hispanic origin groups:

1. White only
2. Black only
3. American Indian and Alaskan Native only
4. Asian and Pacific Islander only
5. Hispanic
6. Two or More Races

For the most recent 2010 census data, the race/ethnic origin breakdown for Zabalza was:

Note: Any fields showing (S) means the data was suppressed for privacy so that the data does not in any way identify any specific individuals.

Since we have data from the previous census in 2000, we can also compare the values to see how the popularity of Zabalza has changed in the 10 years between the two census surveys.

Data source

The last name data and ethnic breakdown of last names is sourced directly from the Decennial Census survey, conducted every 10 years by the United States Census Bureau.

The history and meaning of the name Zabalza was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Zabalza, please contact us.

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