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

Zarb, 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 Zarb surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Zarb in America

Zarb is the 92358th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Zarb surname appeared 199 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 Zarb.

We can also compare 2010 data for Zarb 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 Zarb

The surname Zarb has its origins in Malta, an island nation in the Mediterranean Sea. Documentation of the name dates back several centuries, but its exact emergence in historical records is somewhat elusive. The name Zarb is believed to be derived from the Arabic word "zārba," which means "he who strikes" or "drummer," indicative of an occupational surname that could be linked to early Arab influence in Malta.

During the period of Arab rule in Malta, from 870 to 1090, many new cultural and linguistic elements were introduced. The surname Zarb likely originated during or soon after this period, possibly evolving from the nickname for someone who played a drum or was known for striking a musical instrument. Similar spellings of the surname have appeared in old Maltese records, although exact transcriptions can vary.

One of the earliest references to the surname Zarb can be found in late medieval church records. In 1530, a man named Giorgio Zarb is noted as a landowner in the town of Rabat, Malta. Another historical instance is seen in the 1647 notarial records, where Paolo Zarb, a merchant, is mentioned in various transactions in Valletta, the capital of Malta.

Another notable figure bearing the surname Zarb was Lorenzo Zarb, a distinguished Maltese jurist and politician born in 1815 and passing in 1875. His contributions to the legal field in Malta were significant during the British colonial administration of the island. Lorenzo Zarb's writings and legal opinions are among the documented historical references that underline the prominence of the Zarb surname in Maltese society.

Maria Teresa Zarb, born in 1794 and deceased in 1857, is noteworthy for her role as a significant benefactor and landowner in the Maltese Islands. She contributed to various charitable causes during her lifetime and is remembered in local folklore for her generosity and influence.

In the field of music, Giuseppe Zarb (1771-1849) stands out. He was a renowned Maltese composer and conductor, playing a pivotal role in the development of choral and orchestral music in Malta during the early 19th century. His works were well-respected and significantly impacted the Maltese cultural landscape.

Today, the Zarb surname persists in Malta and among the Maltese diaspora, maintaining its link to a rich historical and cultural heritage. This surname encapsulates the journey of a name through centuries, detailing the evolution of occupation, culture, and societal roles within the Maltese archipelago.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Zarb

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

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

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

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