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

Zagal, 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 Zagal surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Zagal in America

Zagal is the 29064th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Zagal surname appeared 816 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 Zagal.

We can also compare 2010 data for Zagal 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 Zagal

The surname Zagal is believed to have its origins in Spain, likely dating back to the Middle Ages. It is derived from the Old Spanish word "zagalo" or "zagale," which means a shepherd or a boy who tends to livestock. This occupation-based surname indicates that the original bearers of the name were likely shepherds or involved in pastoral activities. The term itself comes from the Arabic word "saqal," which also means young man or boy, hinting at the Arabic influence on the Iberian Peninsula during the period of the Moorish occupation.

The surname Zagal has several variations in spelling, including Zagalo and Zagale, which can be seen in historical records. Early references to the name can be traced back to medieval documents and town records in regions such as Castile and Aragon. For example, in a 13th-century manuscript, a shepherd named Esteban Zagal is mentioned in the region of Aragón, highlighting the name's association with pastoral duties.

One of the earliest and most notable figures bearing the surname Zagal is Ali Abu al-Hasan, known as "El Zagal," a Nasrid ruler of Granada during the late 15th century. Born in 1430, he became ruler in 1485 and was known for his valiant resistance against the Catholic Monarchs during the Reconquista. His epithet "El Zagal," meaning "the valiant," underscores the name's historical significance and enduring legacy.

In the context of Colombian history, Manuel Antonio Zagal, a prominent early 19th-century figure, made significant contributions. Born in 1802, he was a notable educator and political figure who played a significant role in advancing education in Colombia.

Moving into the modern era, Enrique Zagal, born in 1942, is a highly respected Chilean academic and chemist. He has made substantial contributions to science, particularly in the field of electrochemistry, and has been recognized internationally for his work.

In the realm of sports, Hugo Zagal, born in Mexico in 1965, is an esteemed former football player and current coach. He had a significant playing career in the Mexican football leagues and later transitioned to coaching, where he has found considerable success.

The surname Zagal, with its rich historical roots and notable bearers, underscores the diverse and multifaceted nature of surnames and their evolution over time. From medieval shepherds in Spain to contemporary figures making strides in their respective fields, the Zagal name carries a legacy of valor, education, and achievement.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Zagal

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

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

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

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