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

Zacapala, 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 Zacapala surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Zacapala in America

Zacapala is the 149395th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Zacapala surname appeared 110 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 Zacapala.

The history of the last name Zacapala

The surname Zacapala has roots in Mesoamerica, particularly in the region that is now Mexico. This name is believed to have originated among the indigenous people of Mexico, with its earliest traces likely in the pre-Columbian period. The name Zacapala is derived from native Nahuatl language elements, with "zacatl" meaning grass or hay and "pala" possibly referring to water or a place rich in a certain characteristic. Thus, the surname might imply a place abundant with grass or water.

Historical references to the surname Zacapala can be traced back to colonial records during the Spanish conquest and settlement of the Americas. One of the earliest mentions is found in church registers from the late 1500s, documenting early colonial governance and settlement patterns in areas such as modern-day Puebla and Oaxaca. The spelling of the name has remained relatively consistent, preserving its indigenous roots despite Spanish colonial influence.

In the year 1602, records indicate a native chieftain named Itzamatul Zacapala who played a significant role in local resistance against Spanish incursions. Unfortunately, much about his life remains undocumented beyond his brief mention in these chronicles. Another notable figure was Diego Zacapala, who in 1715 was recorded as one of the few indigenous noblemen given a minor administrative role within the Spanish colonial structure, reflecting the complex interactions between the indigenous population and the colonizers.

The 19th century saw a resurgence in indigenous identity, and within this context, individuals like Juan Zacapala became notable. Born in 1835, Juan was a record keeper who meticulously documented oral traditions and histories of his people, which provided invaluable insight into the cultural practices long before written records existed. His contributions were significant in preserving the Nahuatl heritage for future generations.

In more recent historical contexts, Leonor Zacapala, born in 1892 and who died in 1945, emerged as an influential educator and advocate for indigenous rights in Mexico. She wrote several articles and pamphlets advocating for the preservation of indigenous languages and cultures, making her a pivotal figure in the broader movement for cultural preservation in the early 20th century.

Finally, during the Mexican Revolution, an individual named Enrique Zacapala played a key role. He was born in 1878 and was a local leader who fought for land reforms benefiting indigenous communities. His participation in the revolution helped in bringing attention to the plight and demands of indigenous peoples in the wider political landscape of Mexico.

These individuals reflect the enduring legacy and cultural significance of the Zacapala surname, demonstrating its deep roots and historical presence in Mexico's complex history.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Zacapala

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

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 Zacapala 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.

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 Zacapala was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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