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

Zangwill, 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 Zangwill surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Zangwill in America

Zangwill is the 150452nd most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Zangwill surname appeared 109 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 Zangwill.

The history of the last name Zangwill

The surname Zangwill has its roots in Jewish communities of Eastern Europe, specifically from the regions that today encompass Poland and Lithuania. The name appears to derive from the Yiddish word "zang," meaning "to sing," combined with "will," which is an Anglicized form of the Yiddish "vilne," indicating a connection to Vilnius, a prominent center for Jewish culture and scholarship. Therefore, Zangwill can be interpreted as "singer from Vilnius" or "one who sings from Vilnius."

The earliest records of the surname Zangwill date back to the late 18th century, as Ashkenazi Jews began adopting family names. In migratory waves during the subsequent centuries, many Jews with the surname Zangwill relocated to Western Europe and the United States, driven by the pursuit of better livelihoods and escaping persecution.

One of the most significant historical references to the Zangwill surname is Israel Zangwill (1864-1926), a notable British author and playwright. Born in London to Eastern European Jewish immigrants, Zangwill gained fame for his works that often explored themes of Jewish identity and culture. His most famous play, "The Melting Pot" (1908), became iconic in American literature and drama, promoting the idea of America as a melting pot of different cultures.

Another notable figure is Louis Zangwill (1869-1938), the brother of Israel Zangwill. An author and novelist himself, Louis contributed to English literature with works like "A Drama in Dutch" and "The Beautiful Miss Brooke," adding to the literary prestige associated with the surname.

In the realm of art and entertainment, Jeanne Zangwill (1882-1944) was an influential early 20th-century painter and illustrator who relocated from Russia to France. She was renowned for her evocative works that often drew upon Jewish folklore and traditions, cementing her legacy in the European art scene.

Benjamin Zangwill (1897-1942) was a significant figure in Jewish activism in Poland before World War II. He is remembered for his efforts in promoting Jewish education and culture during a period of rising anti-Semitism. His involvement in the establishment of several Jewish schools and community centers highlighted his dedication to the cultural preservation of his community.

Lastly, the political realm witnessed the impact of Samuel Zangwill (1911-1983), a prominent figure in Israeli politics during the mid-20th century. Samuel was instrumental in fostering diplomatic relations between Israel and numerous Western nations, significantly shaping Israel's foreign policy during its formative years.

These historical figures illustrate the diverse contributions of individuals bearing the surname Zangwill across various fields over the centuries. The name has come to embody a rich heritage tied to Jewish cultural and intellectual history, transcending its geographical origins to leave a broader impact on global culture and society.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Zangwill

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

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

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

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