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

Zantow, 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 Zantow surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Zantow in America

Zantow is the 93921st most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Zantow surname appeared 195 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 Zantow.

We can also compare 2010 data for Zantow 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 Zantow

Zantow is a surname of German origin, appearing first in historical records during the medieval period. Derived from the regions of what is today modern Germany and Poland, this name is believed to have origins in the area known as Pomerania, which straddles the border between the two countries. The etymology of Zantow can be traced back to regional dialects and topographical features indicative of the areas where the name was initially found.

The name likely comes from old Germanic words referring to geographical locations. The prefix "Zan" or "Zandt" could be related to sandy or marshy land, a characteristic feature in certain areas of Pomerania. The suffix "ow" is a common Slavic suffix used in place names, indicating a connection or belonging. Hence, Zantow could mean "place of the sandy lands" or "sandy village," referencing the local terrain.

Records from the late Middle Ages reveal mentions of individuals bearing the name Zantow. One early record from the 14th century mentions Johann von Zantow, a minor noble involved in local governance in the Pomeranian region. The name appears in various documents over the following centuries, reflecting shifts in spelling and local dialects. Variations such as Zandow and Zanthow also emerged during this period.

In the 16th century, Heinrich Zantow, born in 1532 and died in 1598, is noted as a wealthy merchant from Danzig (now Gdańsk, Poland). He played a significant role in the city's economy, dealing in grain and other commodities that were crucial to the Hanseatic League, a commercial and defensive confederation of merchant guilds and market towns in Northwestern and Central Europe.

By the 18th century, the name had become more widespread. Another notable individual was Karl Friedrich Zantow, born in 1710 and died in 1778, a prominent figure in the Prussian civil service. His contributions to the development of administrative procedures in Prussia are documented in various governmental archives.

In the 19th century, Albert Zantow, born in 1822 and died in 1899, gained recognition as a pioneering engineer and inventor. He was known for his work on early railway systems in Germany, contributing to the expansion of the railway network during the industrial revolution. His advancements in engineering were well-regarded, and he held several patents for innovations in locomotive design.

Moving into the early 20th century, Wilhelm Zantow, born in 1885 and died in 1941, emerged as a significant figure in the world of academia. As a historian and author, he published several important works on medieval German history, providing insights into the sociopolitical fabric of the time. His research remains influential in studies of the period.

Throughout history, the Zantow name has been connected to various regions and professions, reflecting a rich tapestry of historical and cultural evolution. The name's origins in Pomerania and its association with notable individuals across centuries highlight its enduring legacy in the German-speaking world.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Zantow

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

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

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

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