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

Zarou, 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 Zarou surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Zarou in America

Zarou is the 104602nd most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Zarou surname appeared 171 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 Zarou.

We can also compare 2010 data for Zarou 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 Zarou

The surname Zarou is believed to have its origins in the Middle Eastern region, particularly Lebanon or Syria. During the Ottoman era, which extended from the 14th century until the early 20th century, surnames in this region weren't formally used in the way they are today. Instead, communities were known by tribal affiliation, occupation, or geographical locations. Zarou might be derived from Arabic roots, potentially hinting at either a geographical origin or an ancestral occupation.

The name Zarou could be related to the Arabic word "zar", which means "to visit" or "to sow". This might indicate that the bearer of the name was associated with agrarian activities or had some form of traveling or visiting significance in their societal role. Alternatively, it could also come from an ancient personal name that evolved over centuries into a surname, aligning with naming practices observed in those times.

Historical records in the Ottoman archives might show variations of the name Zarou or similar spellings, such as Zarour or Zaru, though these would need extensive verification. The modernization of surnames in the region didn't concretely occur until the mid to late 19th century when birth records and family names began to be standardized, thus providing more solid proof of the surname's historical existence.

One of the earliest documented instances featuring a variation of this surname is found in Lebanese records from the early 19th century, with an individual named Youssef Zarou, born in 1809, known for his work as a local trader and town elder. Furthermore, manuscripts mentioning Mohammed Zarour, an influential Khan (leader) in the Aleppo region during the 18th century, suggest a prominent family lineage carrying a similar name.

In the 20th century, George Zarou, born in 1900, emerged as a cultural figure in Beirut, contributing to literature and poetry. His works often explored themes of identity and heritage, reflecting the history and evolution of his surname. A contemporary, Miriam Zarou, who lived from 1895 to 1963, was noted for her philanthropic activities and support for education in rural Syrian towns.

Another notable person is Abdul Khader Zarou, born in 1928 in Damascus, credited with contributions to the medical field in Syria, particularly in combating infectious diseases. His legacy continues to impact health approaches in the region, with several medical clinics named in his honor.

Salim Zarou, a well-regarded architect born in 1935, introduced innovative designs that blended modern architecture with traditional Middle Eastern elements. His work left a lasting imprint on urban development projects in Beirut and beyond.

The surname Zarou encapsulates a rich history tied to the Middle Eastern region, evolving through various forms and social roles, with documented instances of notable individuals who carried the name with significance and influence throughout different periods.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Zarou

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

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

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

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