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

Zalapa, 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 Zalapa surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Zalapa in America

Zalapa is the 131379th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Zalapa surname appeared 129 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 Zalapa.

The history of the last name Zalapa

The surname Zalapa finds its origins in Spain, dating back to the early medieval period. In the Iberian Peninsula, surnames often derived from geographical locations, occupations, or notable ancestors. Zalapa is believed to have originated from a geographical term or a place name within Spain, although the exact location is not explicitly documented in the earliest records. It likely derives from an older term used to describe certain topographical features, possibly linked to a mountainous or elevated area due to the common use of "alapa" as a derivative to describe elevations in ancient Iberian languages.

Historical references to the surname Zalapa can be traced back to various municipal records and legal documents from the medieval period. One of the earliest recorded instances of the name appears in a legal document from the province of León in the 13th century, where a Juan Zalapa is documented as being a landowner who was part of a local council. The document provided insights into the land disputes and settlements of that era, highlighting the involvement of the Zalapa family in local governance and property affairs.

The surname also surfaced in Castilian records from the 15th century. In 1482, a Rodrigo Zalapa was mentioned in military decrees issued by the Catholic Monarchs Ferdinand and Isabella during the Reconquista. Rodrigo Zalapa was noted for his service and contributions to the campaigns, emphasizing the family's prominence and involvement in critical historical events in Spain.

Further records indicate that by the late 16th century, individuals with the surname Zalapa were migrating from Spain to the New World during the age of exploration and colonization. A notable figure during this period was Diego Zalapa, born in 1543, who was an early settler in Mexico. His involvement in the colonial administration and local trade helped establish the family's presence in the Americas. Diego's descendants maintained the surname across generations, becoming integral to the local communities they served.

In the 17th century, the surname Zalapa became increasingly associated with intellectual pursuits and the arts in Iberia. Francisco Zalapa, born in 1621, gained recognition as an accomplished scholar and writer. His works on early Spanish literature and historical accounts were well-regarded, establishing him as a significant figure in Spain's cultural history.

Through the centuries, the surname Zalapa continued to appear in records of notable individuals. For example, in the early 19th century, a Manuel Zalapa, born in 1805, was known for his contributions to agricultural developments in southern Spain. His innovations in crop management and irrigation methods had lasting impacts on local farming practices, marking a significant chapter in the family's history.

Overall, the surname Zalapa, with its origins in the medieval period of Spain, has a rich history encompassing various regions, notable figures, and a lasting legacy in both Spain and the New World. The name has been associated with landownership, military service, colonial administration, intellectual endeavors, and agricultural advancements throughout its extensive recorded history.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Zalapa

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

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 Zalapa 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.

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

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

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