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

Zahringer, 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 Zahringer surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Zahringer in America

Zahringer is the 91221st most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Zahringer surname appeared 202 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 Zahringer.

We can also compare 2010 data for Zahringer 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 Zahringer

The surname Zahringer originates from the region of what is now southwestern Germany, particularly from the area that was historically known as the Duchy of Zähringen in the state of Baden-Württemberg. This name can be traced back to the early medieval period, around the 10th and 11th centuries. The name derives from a combination of the Germanic word “zahr,” which means “tooth” or “fang,” and the suffix “-inger,” indicating someone living at or coming from a place. Therefore, Zahringer likely refers to individuals who came from a geographic area characterized by a noticeable geological feature resembling teeth, or perhaps from a settlement founded by someone with that name.

The historical reference to the name Zahringer appears in several old documents and records from the medieval period. One of the earliest mentions is found in the chronicles of the Zähringer family, a prominent ducal house that gained power in the region during the High Middle Ages. Detailed accounts of their influence and status can be found in various historical manuscripts and records, such as the Annales Zaringorum, which accounts for events in the region during the 11th and 12th centuries.

The earliest recorded example of the name in a prominent historical context is associated with the founder of the Zähringer dynasty, Duke Berthold I of Zähringen, who was born around 1000 and died in 1078. Berthold was granted the title of Duke of Carinthia and later Duke of Zähringen, establishing his political presence in southwestern Germany. His lineage continued with Berthold II (circa 1050–1111), who played a significant role in the formation and expansion of the Zähringer territories.

Another notable figure from the Zähringer line was Conrad I, Duke of Zähringen (1090–1152). Conrad’s influence extended over several key territories, and he was a staunch supporter of the Holy Roman Emperor. His rule was marked by significant urban and economic development in the regions under his control, including the founding of the city of Freiburg im Breisgau around 1120.

Berthold V of Zähringen, born around 1160 and dying in 1218, was the last Duke of Zähringen. Under his reign, the dynasty saw considerable territorial expansion and militaristic success until his death marked the end of the ducal line. His efforts in fortification and city establishments were notable, with the founding of Berne in Switzerland being one of his most enduring legacies.

The Zähringer name has also been associated with religious and academic patronage, exemplified by figures such as Margrave Hermann V of Baden (1165–1243), who, while not holding the Zähringer surname directly, was a descendant of the Zähringer House. His support for ecclesiastical establishments added to the family’s historical footprint.

Another noteworthy individual is Adelaide of Zähringen (b. 1075–d. 1130), who became the Duchess of Lorraine through her marriage to Simon I of Lorraine. Adelaide’s lineage and marriage strengthened the political alliances and influence of the Zähringer family beyond the confines of Germany into the broader regions of medieval Europe.

The legacy of the Zähringer name continues to be influential in European history, particularly in the regions of Germany and Switzerland, where cities founded or influenced by the Zähringer dynasty remain key urban centers.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Zahringer

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

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

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

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