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

Zadeh, 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 Zadeh surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Zadeh in America

Zadeh is the 43206th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Zadeh surname appeared 500 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 Zadeh.

We can also compare 2010 data for Zadeh 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 Zadeh

The surname Zadeh finds its origins in Persia, modern-day Iran, during the medieval period. It is derived from the Persian word "زاده" (zadeh), which means "descendant of" or "born of." This suffix was traditionally added to the name of the father or clan leader, indicating lineage or ancestry. Similar linguistic constructions can be found throughout the Iranian Plateau and neighboring regions, emphasizing the importance of family and heritage in these cultures.

Historically, surnames like Zadeh were prevalent among the Persian nobility and scholarly families. One of the earliest recorded instances of the surname appears in Persian manuscripts from the Safavid era (1501–1736), a time when the Persian Empire experienced a significant cultural and economic renaissance. These records, often detailing land ownership and scholarly achievements, sometimes mention individuals with the surname Zadeh, suggesting their involvement in intellectual or administrative capacities.

One of the most notable figures bearing the surname was Lotfi A. Zadeh, born in 1921 in Baku, Azerbaijan SSR, then part of the Soviet Union, and later a naturalized American. He is celebrated for his groundbreaking work in the field of mathematics, especially for founding fuzzy logic, an innovative approach to reasoning that reflects how people think more realistically. Lotfi Zadeh's contributions have had enduring impacts across various scientific disciplines.

Another historical figure is Mirza Hassan Zadeh, a 19th-century Persian poet and intellectual from the region of Shiraz. His literary works often explored philosophical themes and the complexities of human nature, gaining him recognition in the Persian literary canon. His contributions enriched Persian literature and offered significant insights into the cultural and intellectual currents of his time.

In the late 19th century, the surname appears again associated with Reza Zadeh, an influential merchant from Tehran, who played a crucial role in the economic landscape of Qajar Iran. His trading ventures extended beyond Persia, fostering commercial ties with neighboring regions and contributing to the economic vitality of his hometown. His legacy includes several endowments to educational institutions, reflecting his commitment to learning and community development.

The name Zadeh also appears in historical documents related to military officers from the early 20th century. Colonel Ali Zadeh, born in 1895, was a distinguished officer in the Persian Cossack Brigade, which played a pivotal role during the turbulent years of Iran's constitutional revolution and subsequent political upheavals. His military prowess and leadership are well-documented in military records and personal memoirs of the era.

Lastly, there is Homa Zadeh, an early 20th-century educator and women's rights advocate from Isfahan. Her efforts in advancing women's education and advocating for their social rights were instrumental in the burgeoning women's movement in Iran. Her legacy lives on through various institutions and scholarships established in her name, aimed at empowering young women to pursue higher education.

The surname Zadeh, with its deep roots in Persian culture and history, has been carried by numerous notable individuals who have made significant contributions across various fields. Its meaning, "descendant of," reflects a rich heritage and a profound connection to ancestral lineage, which remains a vital aspect of Persian identity even today.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Zadeh

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

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

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

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