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

Zamfir, 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 Zamfir surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Zamfir in America

Zamfir is the 123796th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Zamfir surname appeared 139 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 Zamfir.

The history of the last name Zamfir

The surname Zamfir has its origins in Eastern Europe, primarily within the country of Romania. It is believed to date back to the medieval period, around the 14th or 15th century. The name is closely associated with the region of Wallachia, now part of modern-day Romania, where it was likely borne by members of the local nobility and peasantry alike.

The surname Zamfir derives from the Romanian word zămfir, which itself is of Old Slavic origin, reflecting the rich linguistic tapestry of the Balkans. Similar spellings and variations, including Zamfira and Zamfirescu, emerged over time, indicating a common ancestral root and reflecting regional dialects and orthographic practices.

One of the earliest historical references to the surname Zamfir can be found in the archives of the Wallachian principality. A notable document from the late 15th century mentions a Zamfir, a minor noble who served under the famed ruler Vlad the Impaler. This reference suggests that the surname was well-established by that time and perhaps held some degree of prestige.

Throughout history, several figures bearing the surname Zamfir have made notable contributions in various fields. In the 18th century, a man named Iancu Zamfir was documented as a prominent trader in Bucharest, establishing vital trade routes between Wallachia and neighboring regions. Another early figure, Mihai Zamfira, was a celebrated poet in the 19th century, whose works often touched upon themes of national identity and folklore.

By the 20th century, the name continued to hold significance. One of the most famous bearers of the surname is Gheorghe Zamfir, born in 1941, a world-renowned pan flute virtuoso whose music garnered international acclaim. His contributions to both Romanian and world music culture have immortalized the Zamfir name in modern times.

In the realm of academia, Dr. Anca Zamfir, a noted historian and professor at the University of Bucharest in the mid-20th century, published extensive research on Romanian medieval history, further solidifying the academic presence of the surname.

Geographically, the surname is also tied to locales within Romania. The village of Zamfirești, a small settlement in the Ialomița County, likely derives its name from an early settler or landowner bearing the surname, indicative of the common practice of naming places after notable individuals.

In summary, the surname Zamfir boasts a rich heritage rooted in Romanian history, reflecting both nobility and commonality. From historical documents to prominent figures, the name has been etched into various facets of cultural, academic, and musical history over the centuries.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Zamfir

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

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

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

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