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

Zaiser, 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 Zaiser surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Zaiser in America

Zaiser is the 64200th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Zaiser surname appeared 310 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 Zaiser.

We can also compare 2010 data for Zaiser 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 Zaiser

The surname Zaiser can trace its origins to the German-speaking regions of Europe, specifically within the boundaries of modern-day Germany. The name is believed to have emerged during the Middle Ages, a time when surnames were becoming necessary due to population growth and the complexity of feudal society. It is likely that the name originated in Bavaria, a region in southern Germany known for its rich history and distinctive dialects.

The etymology of the surname Zaiser derives from the older Germanic word "Zise," which means "axe." The suffix "-er" indicates a person associated with the primary word, suggesting that the name Zaiser originally referred to someone who was an axe-maker or an axe user, possibly a lumberjack or a woodworker. Variations of the surname such as Zeiser and Zeiss may have been recorded in different regions, reflecting regional dialects and orthographic practices.

One of the earliest references to a variation of the surname can be found in medieval manuscripts from the 13th and 14th centuries. For instance, a 1297 record from the city of Augsburg mentions a craftsmen named Heinrich Zeis, highlighting the occupational origins of the surname. Another early example includes a listing from a 1335 tax record in Nuremberg, which documents a family with the surname Zeiser, indicating its prevalence in urban centers known for trade and craftsmanship.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the surname Zaiser. Michael Zaiser, born in 1822 in Bavaria, was a prominent figure in the 19th century known for his contributions to local industry and philanthropy. The Zaiser name also appears in records from the early settlers in the United States. Johann Zaiser, born in 1850, emigrated from Germany to the United States in the 1870s, becoming a well-known blacksmith in his new homeland.

In literature, Friedrich Zaiser, born in 1887, made significant contributions to German poetry and translations during the early 20th century. His works often reflected the cultural and political turbulence of his time, enriching the German literary heritage.

Another notable person is Max Zaiser, born in 1903, who gained recognition as an accomplished engineer. His innovative designs and contributions to the automotive industry in the mid-20th century laid the groundwork for advancements in vehicle safety and performance.

The historical progression of the surname Zaiser underscores its deep roots within the German culture, reflecting both the occupational and regional characteristics of its bearers. Through the centuries, the name has persisted, carried by individuals who contributed to various facets of society, whether through craftsmanship, literature, or engineering. The surname remains a testament to the enduring legacy of its historical origins.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Zaiser

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

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

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

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