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

Zaleta, 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 Zaleta surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Zaleta in America

Zaleta is the 64054th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Zaleta surname appeared 311 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 Zaleta.

We can also compare 2010 data for Zaleta 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 Zaleta

The surname Zaleta likely originates from the Iberian Peninsula, with strong connections to Spain. The name’s earliest known origins can be traced back to the medieval period, around the 12th or 13th century. During this time, naming conventions in Spain were significantly influenced by the various cultures that had settled in the region, including the Visigoths, Romans, and Moors.

The name Zaleta likely has connections to old Spanish or Basque words. In Basque, the word "zale" means "fond of" or “supporter,” which could suggest a familial or patronymic origin, indicating someone who was fond of or a supporter of a particular cause or person. Another possible root for the name could be the Old Spanish word "zaleta," which translates to "little hall" or a diminutive form of "zala," meaning "hall." This etymology may indicate a familial connection to a place or building of significance.

Historical records show the surname Zaleta in several medieval manuscripts and official documents. One of the earliest references includes a land grant recorded in 1297, where the name Zaleta was associated with a significant landowner in the region of Navarre, today a part of northern Spain.

In the 15th century, Juan Zaleta, a notable knight, served under King Ferdinand II of Aragon during the Reconquista, the campaign to reclaim Spanish territories from Moorish rule. Juan Zaleta’s contributions to key battles were documented in several accounts from the period, and he was awarded estates in recognition of his service.

Another notable figure is Ana de Zaleta, born in 1598 and known for her scholarly work and poetry. Ana was part of the Spanish Golden Age and her contributions to literature have been cited in numerous historical texts. Her works reflected the rich cultural milieu of the period and provided insight into life in Spain during the late Renaissance.

Spanish explorer Pedro Zaleta, born in 1625, made significant contributions to the mapping of South America during the Age of Exploration. His detailed journals and maps have been preserved in the archives of Seville, making him a key figure in the history of early Spanish exploration in the New World.

In the 18th century, Matías Zaleta, a prominent merchant and landowner, played an influential role in the trade networks between Spain and the Americas. Matías' business ventures and correspondence offer a glimpse into the economic connections and the movement of goods during the pre-industrial era.

By the early 19th century, the name Zaleta had also appeared in other parts of Europe, likely due to migration and the movement of families. Historical records from 1803 show a Nicolás Zaleta settling in the region of Aquitaine in France, suggesting the spread and adaptation of the surname beyond its Iberian origins.

Throughout history, the surname Zaleta has been associated with individuals who made significant contributions in various fields, including military service, literature, exploration, and commerce. This rich history reflects the diverse roles and evolving significance of the name across centuries.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Zaleta

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

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

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

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