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

Zangari, 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 Zangari surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Zangari in America

Zangari is the 36099th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Zangari surname appeared 621 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 Zangari.

We can also compare 2010 data for Zangari 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 Zangari

The surname Zangari has its origins in Italy, specifically from the southern regions, such as Calabria. It dates back to at least the medieval period, reflecting the rich tapestry of Italian naming traditions. The name likely derives from a local term or occupation, though its exact origins are somewhat obscure. Calabria, known for its cultural melting pot of Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and Norman influences, provided a fertile linguistic ground for surnames.

The name Zangari may come from the Italian word zangara, which means a type of fishing net or fish trap used by local fishermen. Considering Calabria's extensive coastline and deep connection with the sea, it stands to reason that the name might have been occupational, referring to those involved in fishing or marine trade. This is supported by historical records showing many Italian surnames derived from occupations and tools commonly used at the time.

In terms of historical references, one of the earliest mentions of the Zangari surname can be traced back to 15th-century tax records and parish registers in the Calabrian region. An example is Giovanni Zangari, a fisherman recorded in the year 1485 in the town of Tropea. The prevalence of the name increased in the subsequent centuries, appearing more frequently in legal documents, marriage records, and land deeds.

Nicola Zangari, a notable figure, was an influential merchant in the early 17th century, born in 1602 and died in 1671. His extensive trade networks between Calabria and other Mediterranean ports marked a critical period of economic activity in the region. His records of transactions have been preserved in various local archives, shedding light on the commercial history of Calabria.

Another significant bearer was Domenico Zangari, a 19th-century political figure born in 1817. He played a crucial role in the Risorgimento, the movement for Italian unification. He was known for his advocacy for regional autonomy within a unified Italy, reflecting the local spirit of Calabrian resilience. His contributions were documented in contemporary newspapers and political pamphlets of the time.

In the arts, Maria Zangari (1852-1923) emerged as a prominent opera singer. Born and raised in Reggio Calabria, she gained national fame and contributed to the Italian opera scene. Her performances were praised for their emotional depth and technical proficiency, and she toured extensively across Italy, leaving a lasting legacy in the Italian cultural history.

Another important figure is Antonio Zangari, who lived from 1890 to 1956. He was a renowned academic and historian specializing in the medieval history of southern Italy. His published works provided valuable insights into the socio-economic conditions of medieval Calabria, expanding the understanding of the region’s historical context.

The last historical figure worth mentioning is Carmela Zangari, born in 1931, who became a celebrated poet and author. Her works often focused on themes of southern Italian life, heritage, and the struggles of the working class. Her poetry and novels earned her numerous literary awards and recognition across Italy.

The Zangari surname is embedded deeply in the history of southern Italy, particularly Calabria. It has been borne by individuals who contributed significantly across various fields, from commerce and politics to arts and academia. The name’s evolution over centuries highlights the dynamic nature of Italian surnames and their connection to local culture and history.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Zangari

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

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

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

Reference this page

We spend a lot of resources downloading, cleaning, merging, and formatting the data that is shown on the site.

If you found the data or information on this page useful in your research, please use the tool below to properly cite or reference Name Census as the source. We appreciate your support!