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

Zarbock, 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 Zarbock surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Zarbock in America

Zarbock is the 69793rd most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Zarbock surname appeared 281 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 Zarbock.

We can also compare 2010 data for Zarbock 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 Zarbock

The surname Zarbock originates from the German-speaking regions of Europe, specifically within what is now modern-day Germany. The earliest documented references to the name date back to the High Middle Ages, around the 13th to 15th centuries. The name is believed to have originated in the areas surrounding Bavaria and Saxony, regions that have historically been significant cultural and political centers in Germany.

The surname Zarbock is derived from older Germanic words. The root "zarb" likely comes from a Middle High German term meaning "bold" or "brave," while "bock" can be traced back to the Old High German term for "goat." Combined, the name Zarbock might have originally been a nickname or descriptive term, roughly translating to "brave goat". Such combinations were common in medieval German surnames, often reflecting characteristics admired by their bearers.

One of the earliest historical references to the surname appears in a 14th-century document from Nuremberg, a prominent city within Bavaria. The entry lists a Hans Zarbock as a witness in a local legal dispute, indicating that the name had established roots within the local community by this time. This reference provides crucial evidence for the presence and social involvement of individuals bearing this surname.

As we move into the 16th and 17th centuries, additional records document the existence of various members of the Zarbock family in municipal records throughout Bavaria and Saxony. A 1587 marriage record from the town of Regensburg mentions a Wilhelm Zarbock, a local blacksmith, marrying into a family of merchants. This marriage connects the Zarbock name to the expanding urban middle class of the Renaissance period.

Another significant figure bearing the surname is Johann Ernst Zarbock, born in 1620 and dying in 1695, who is recorded as having served as a magistrate in Dresden. His work in the civic administration of the city highlights the roles members of the Zarbock family occupied in the governance and civic life of their communities.

In the 18th century, the name appears in a different context with the arrival of Friedrich Zarbock, born in 1734, in records of the military service. As a soldier in the Prussian Army during the reign of Frederick the Great, Friedrich Zarbock's inclusion in the military rosters showcases the diverse professions and roles taken up by individuals with this surname.

The surname also appears in more scholarly contexts. A notable example is that of Georg Zarbock, born in 1798, who became known as an academic in the field of natural sciences at the University of Leipzig. His contributions to early botanical studies have been recorded in several academic journals of the time.

Overall, the surname Zarbock has a rich history deeply embedded in the social, professional, and civic fabric of German-speaking Europe. From its origins in Bavaria and Saxony to the various roles held by its bearers, the name is a testament to the diverse backgrounds and contributions of the families that carried it through the centuries.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Zarbock

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

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

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

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