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

Zafir, 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 Zafir surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Zafir in America

Zafir is the 89403rd most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Zafir surname appeared 207 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 Zafir.

We can also compare 2010 data for Zafir 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 Zafir

The surname Zafir is believed to have its origins in the Middle East, specifically within the Jewish and Arabic communities. The name itself can be traced back to the medieval period, around the 12th century. Derived from the Arabic word "za-far," which means "victory" or "to triumph," the surname originally signified someone who was victorious or had experienced triumph. It is possible that the name also has Hebrew connotations, as it appeared in Jewish communities, where it symbolized success and prosperity.

The use of Zafir as a surname likely spread to different parts of the world through migration and trade routes. In the historical records of Spain during the time of the Moors, there are references to merchants and scholars with the last name Zafir, noted for their contributions to the cultural and scientific advancements of the region. Manuscripts from the 13th century Iberian Peninsula occasionally mention the name Zafir, often in the context of scholarly works and translations.

One of the earliest recorded examples of the surname Zafir is found in the records of a Jewish community in Cordoba, Spain, during the late 12th century. A prominent figure from this period, Rabbi Isaac ben Zafir (1170-1245), was known for his extensive commentary on the Talmud and his efforts in the Jewish philosophical movement. His works were widely read and have been preserved in historical manuscripts.

The name Zafir also appeared in Ottoman Empire registers, denoting another significant historical reference. During the 16th century, a notable figure by the name of Pasha Zafir al-Din (1495-1570) served as a high-ranking official in the Ottoman administrative system. His diplomatic skills and military strategies were well-documented, and he was known for his role in various conquests.

In the 17th century, another remarkable individual bearing the surname was Yitzhak Zafir (1620-1690), a rabbi and kabbalist from Safed, a city in the northern District of Israel known for its mystical significance in Jewish history. His teachings and spiritual guidance were influential, and his written sermons have survived through various centuries.

The surname Zafir continued to be recorded in various parts of the world. In the early 19th century, Abraham Zafir (1795-1865), a merchant in the Greek city of Thessaloniki, is noted for his involvement in the textile trade and his contributions to the local Jewish community. His lineage was well-documented, and several artifacts bearing his family name have been preserved in museums.

A 20th-century figure bearing the surname was Dr. Samuel Zafir (1875-1942), a physician and philanthropist based in Cairo, Egypt. His humanitarian efforts, particularly during the cholera outbreak in the city, were highly regarded, and his medical papers contributed significantly to public health policies in the region.

Throughout history, the surname Zafir has been associated with various regions, professions, and notable individuals. Its etymology, rooted in the concept of victory and success, has remained a significant part of the legacy carried by those who bore the name across different cultures and centuries.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Zafir

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

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

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

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