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

Zarzour, 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 Zarzour surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Zarzour in America

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

The Zarzour 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 Zarzour.

We can also compare 2010 data for Zarzour 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 Zarzour

The surname Zarzour traces its origins to the Middle Eastern region, particularly within the boundaries of modern-day Lebanon and Syria. Dating back to at least the Ottoman Empire period, which spanned from the late 13th century to the early 20th century, the surname finds its roots commonly among Arabic-speaking populations. The etymology of Zarzour is frequently linked to the Arabic word "zarzūr," translating to "starling," a type of bird known for its musical prowess and vibrant plumage.

Historical references to the name Zarzour are less abundant due to the often oral traditions and less rigorous record-keeping practices of the regions it originated from. Nonetheless, Zarzour has appeared in various works of literature and documents from the Ottoman period and pre-20th century Middle Eastern texts. The spread of the surname aligns with trade routes and migratory patterns within the Levant, a region historically known for its melting pot of cultures, languages, and religions.

The earliest recorded examples of the surname Zarzour emerge from family registers and local records in towns such as Aleppo, Homs, and Beirut. The spellings have remained relatively consistent, which is partly due to the phonetic nature of the Arabic script. However, variations may include transliterations like Zarzur or Zarzur, reflecting minor dialectical differences.

Among notable bearers of the surname Zarzour, one can find Kamal Zarzour (1881-1945), a prominent poet and scholar based in Beirut, whose work contributed significantly to Lebanese literary culture. Another influential figure is Ahmad Zarzour (1902-1973), a well-respected educator and historian in Homs, known for his efforts in documenting regional history and cultural heritage.

In the realm of contemporary history, Faisal Zarzour (1925-1988) emerged as a noted political figure and advocate for Pan-Arabism, playing a critical role in the social movements within Syria. His efforts were pivotal during the transformative periods of the mid-20th century.

Dr. Selim Zarzour (1893-1967) was a pioneering medical professional in Aleppo, where he established one of the earliest modern hospitals in the region, contributing significantly to the development of healthcare services. His work saved countless lives and provided a foundation for future medical advancements.

Finally, Nawal Zarzour (1936-2005), a significant voice in Lebanese education, led various initiatives to enhance literacy and educational access, particularly for women and underprivileged communities. Her legacy endures through numerous educational programs and institutions that continue to bear her name.

The surname Zarzour, with its origins deeply rooted in Middle Eastern heritage, reflects a rich cultural tapestry and has been borne by individuals who have significantly contributed to their societies.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Zarzour

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

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

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

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