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

Zepeda, 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 Zepeda surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Zepeda in America

Zepeda is the 145220th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Zepeda surname appeared 114 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 Zepeda.

The history of the last name Zepeda

The surname Zapeda, primarily found in Spanish-speaking regions, has its origins in Spain. Its derivation can be traced back to rural areas and is possibly rooted in the Basque language. In the Basque language, the word "zabala" means "wide" or "expansive," which could signify a notable geographical feature such as a broad plain or an expansive piece of land. Another potential origin is the Spanish term "cepeda," referring to areas dense with cedar trees. Both interpretations suggest a relationship to specific landscapes, emphasizing the natural environment in which the early bearers of the name lived.

Historical references to the surname Zapeda date back to medieval times, though its exact earliest mention is challenging to pinpoint. Various forms of the name appear in land grants and communal records, indicating the name's connection to landownership and settlement. Such historical documents often recorded variations and local dialect influences on the surname, contributing to multiple spellings over the centuries.

One notable instance of the surname Zapeda can be found in historical records from the 12th century, where an individual named Juan de Zapeda is documented. Juan was a landowner in the region of Castile, which corresponds to modern-day central Spain. This reference suggests the name was established among the rural nobility or affluent peasantry, underscoring its entrenchment in the agricultural and landholding communities.

In the 15th century, Maria Zapeda was recorded in documents pertaining to royal service. Serving in the household of Isabella I of Castile, Maria represented a shift of the surname into the realm of established societal structures, reflecting the growing importance of administrative and domestic roles within the royal courts. Her tax records and royal correspondence highlight the integration of the surname into influential circles.

Moving forward into the 16th century, Cristobal Zapeda became a prominent figure recorded in naval expeditions during the Spanish exploration and colonial periods. As part of the crew on several voyages to the New World, Cristobal's contributions to maritime journeys illustrate the migration and spread of the surname beyond the Iberian Peninsula, aligning with Spain's expansionist endeavors.

Another significant individual with the surname was Diego Zapeda, who was involved in the early 17th century settlement efforts in what is now Mexico. Documented as a land grant recipient and a participant in early local governance, Diego's presence underscores the name's continuity within colonial administrative frameworks and its transatlantic reach.

In the late 19th century, Antonio Zapeda emerged as a notable scholar and historian in Spain. His works on regional history and genealogy were influential in preserving local cultural heritage, often referencing the lineage and historical significance of surnames such as his own. Antonio's contributions to historical literature remain a valuable resource for understanding the etymological roots and historical context of the Zapeda surname.

These historical references and notable individuals illustrate the rich tapestry of the surname Zapeda. Its presence in land records, royal service, maritime exploration, and scholarly work highlights the name's profound historical connections and varied contributions to societal developments across centuries.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Zepeda

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

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

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

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