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

Zafra, 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 Zafra surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Zafra in America

Zafra is the 26067th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Zafra surname appeared 940 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 Zafra.

We can also compare 2010 data for Zafra 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 Zafra

The surname Zafra has its roots deeply embedded in the rich history of Spain, particularly from the region of Andalusia. The name is traditionally considered to have originated in the medieval period. The town of Zafra in the province of Badajoz, Extremadura, is likely to be a primary source of this surname, as locative surnames were commonly derived from notable places.

The word Zafra is derived from the Arabic word “safra,” meaning “harvest,” which makes sense given that this region of Spain was heavily influenced by centuries of Muslim rule, known as the Al-Andalus period. This Arabic etymology reflects the agricultural and economic activities of the region during the medieval period, which often revolved around harvest times.

The earliest documented reference to Zafra as a surname can be traced back to the 12th and 13th centuries, a time marked by the Christian reconquest of Spain from the Moors. Historical manuscripts, including land grants and property registries, mention families bearing the name Zafra. These documents provide a glimpse into the socio-economic status of individuals carrying this surname.

One of the earliest recorded individuals with this surname is Alonso de Zafra, who appeared in the records dating back to the early 14th century. He was known to have been a landowner in the region of Andalusia and contributed to the local economy through his agricultural activities. His contributions are noted in estate records preserved from that period.

In the 15th century, Diego de Zafra, another notable individual bearing the surname, served as a confessor to Queen Isabella I of Castile. He played a significant role in the religious and political dynamics of the period, aligning himself closely with prominent figures of the Reconquista. His influence is documented in various royal decrees and ecclesiastical records.

The surname continued to appear in various forms in historical records throughout the Renaissance and into the modern age. Isabel de Zafra, born in 1503 and died in 1561, was a renowned Spanish poet and a contemporary of the Golden Age of Spanish literature. Her works, though not as widely celebrated as some of her contemporaries, contributed to the flourishing cultural milieu of her time.

In the 17th century, Francisco de Zafra, born in 1601 and died in 1657, gained prominence as a military commander during the Thirty Years' War. His strategic acumen and leadership were noted in military dispatches and historical chronicles of that turbulent period in European history. He was instrumental in several key battles that shaped the geopolitical landscape of Europe.

Another significant figure was Miguel de Zafra, a well-regarded composer of the late Baroque period, born in 1674 and passed away in 1741. His compositions, which included sacred and secular music, continue to be studied by music historians and enthusiasts for their intricate structures and emotive qualities.

Over these centuries, the Zafra surname spread beyond its origins in Spain, accompanying Spanish explorers, settlers, and missionaries to the New World and other parts of the globe. The descendants of these early Zafras have continued to contribute to a wide array of cultural, economic, and social spheres, thus ensuring that the name maintains its presence and influence across generations.

The history of the surname Zafra illustrates a fascinating journey from medieval Spain through various epochs marked by agricultural prosperity, religious upheaval, literary flourishes, military exploits, and artistic endeavors. The legacy carried by individuals with this surname serves to highlight the enduring impact of their contributions to their respective fields and the broader historical narrative.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Zafra

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

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

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

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