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

Zafer, 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 Zafer surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Zafer in America

Zafer is the 126765th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Zafer surname appeared 135 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 Zafer.

We can also compare 2010 data for Zafer 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 Zafer

The surname Zafer is of Turkish origin, tracing its roots back to the Ottoman Empire period, which spanned from the late 13th century until the early 20th century. The name derives from the Turkish word "zafer," meaning "victory" or "triumph.” This etymology links the surname to notions of success and accomplishment, which were highly valued in Ottoman society.

Zafer was historically prevalent in regions that were once part of the Ottoman Empire, including modern-day Turkey, parts of the Balkans, and the Middle East. Due to the Ottoman Empire's vast territory, the surname can be found among diverse ethnic and linguistic groups within this area. The word itself has Arabic origins, further entrenching its significance in the historical Muslim world, where it denoted military and personal achievements.

Historical references to the surname Zafer appear sporadically in Ottoman records. One of the earliest documented occurrences dates back to the mid-15th century during the reign of Mehmed the Conqueror, who is known to have used the term "Zafer" in various decrees celebrating victories. Manuscripts from this era sometimes mention individuals like Hasan Zafer, a military aide to the Sultan, who is believed to have lived between 1425 and 1480.

Another significant figure was Mehmet Zafer, an Ottoman naval officer known for his participation in the Battle of Lepanto in 1571. His name appears in naval logs and chronicles that detail the battle, providing a snapshot of his contributions to the empire's maritime efforts. Mehmet Zafer's life spanned from approximately 1540 to 1585.

In the 17th century, Ahmet Zafer, born in 1612 and died in 1678, emerged as a notable scholar and poet within the Ottoman intellectual circles. His works often incorporated themes of triumph and victory, resonating with the meaning of his surname. Writings by Ahmet Zafer were preserved in various libraries and have been studied for their literary and historical value.

Musa Zafer, a prominent landowner and philanthropist in the late 19th century, left a lasting impact on his community in what is now modern-day Turkey. Born in 1845 and passing away in 1916, Musa Zafer was known for his contributions to the local economy and education, funding the construction of several schools and community centers.

In the early 20th century, during the final years of the Ottoman Empire and the rise of the Turkish Republic, Fatma Zafer became one of the first women in Turkey to receive a higher education and pursue a career in law. Born in 1890 and passing away in 1975, she fought for women's rights and legal reforms, leaving a legacy celebrated in Turkish legal history.

The surname Zafer remains a powerful reminder of its historical roots and the rich tapestry of cultural and social achievements associated with those who bore the name.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Zafer

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

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

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

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