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

Zappacosta, 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 Zappacosta surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Zappacosta in America

Zappacosta is the 100791st most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Zappacosta surname appeared 179 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 Zappacosta.

We can also compare 2010 data for Zappacosta 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 Zappacosta

The surname Zappacosta has its origins in Italy and is deeply rooted in the nation's rich historical tapestry. The name can be traced back to medieval times, predominantly within the southern regions of Italy, particularly in Calabria. It is believed to derive from an Italian phrase, with "zappa" translating to "hoe" or "mattock", which is an agricultural tool, and "costa" meaning "coast" or "rib". This combination suggests that the original bearers of the name could have been coastal farmers or peasants who worked the land near the coast.

The name Zappacosta appears in various historical documents dating back to the late Middle Ages, indicating a longstanding presence in the area. For instance, medieval tax records, land grants, and notary documents from Calabria and neighboring regions occasionally mention individuals with this surname, highlighting their participation in local agrarian economies and community matters.

The earliest recorded example of the surname Zappacosta appears in a 14th-century census document in Calabria, where a Giacomo Zappacosta is listed as a landowner. This entry reveals the family's status and association with land and farming activities. Another significant early record mentions a Pietro Zappacosta, a merchant from Naples, who appears in maritime trade logs from the early 15th century, signifying the family branches' involvement in commerce.

Among notable individuals bearing the surname Zappacosta is Cardinal Federico Zappacosta, born in 1565 and passing in 1635. He was a significant figure in the Catholic Church during the Counter-Reformation, recognized for his contributions to religious reforms and theological discourse. His position and influence highlight the diversification of the family's roles in different societal spheres beyond agriculture.

Giovanni Zappacosta, a noted scholar and mathematician in the early 17th century, represents another member of the Zappacosta lineage whose intellectual pursuits and academic contributions were well-documented through his works and teachings. His expertise in algebra and geometry brought him recognition within academic circles of his time.

In the arts, Francesco Zappacosta, a Baroque painter born in 1682 and active until his death in 1754, gained fame for his religious and historical paintings, many of which adorned churches and public buildings in the southern regions of Italy. His works were characterized by their vivid colors and dramatic compositions, leaving a lasting impact on the baroque artistic tradition.

A distinguished military figure with this surname is General Mario Zappacosta, who played a notable role during the Italian unification in the mid-19th century. Born in 1820 and dying in 1885, his leadership and strategic acumen during key battles earned him commendations and solidified the Zappacosta name in military history.

Lastly, the 19th century saw the emergence of diplomat Alessandro Zappacosta, who served as an ambassador during the formation of the Kingdom of Italy. Born in 1830 and passing in 1898, his diplomatic efforts and negotiations were crucial in establishing Italy's international relationships and political standing.

The surname Zappacosta encapsulates a rich historical legacy, interwoven with agricultural origins, intellectual pursuits, religious influence, artistic contributions, military leadership, and diplomatic endeavors. This multifaceted heritage illustrates how the name has been significant in various domains over centuries.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Zappacosta

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

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

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

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