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

Zarzuela, 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 Zarzuela surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Zarzuela in America

Zarzuela is the 48628th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Zarzuela surname appeared 434 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 Zarzuela.

We can also compare 2010 data for Zarzuela 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 Zarzuela

The surname Zarzuela finds its origin in Spain, dating back to the medieval period. It is believed to be derived from the Spanish word 'zarza', which means 'bramble' or 'thorn bush,' combined with a diminutive suffix, giving 'zarzuela,' which can translate to a 'small bramble.' The name likely originated as a topographical surname, identifying someone who lived near or among brambles.

The earliest regions where the surname Zarzuela was found include the central and northern parts of Spain, particularly in Castile and León. These areas were well-known for dense, thorny bushes, making it apt for a family name derived from such a landscape feature. Various medieval manuscripts and documents, such as land grants and tax records, hold references to the name Zarzuela, indicating its usage by the families who lived in those regions.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the surname is found in a 14th-century land deed in Castile, where a Don Fernando de la Zarzuela is mentioned. This document provides insight into the land ownership and noble lineage of early bearers of the name Zarzuela. Another historical reference appears in a 15th-century tax record from León, listing a Pedro Zarzuela as a landowner and tax contributor, confirming the family’s presence in the region.

Several influential figures have carried the surname Zarzuela throughout history. One such individual is Isabel de Zarzuela, a 16th-century poet from Castile, whose works contributed to the Spanish Golden Age of literature. Another notable person is Captain Juan Zarzuela, a 17th-century explorer who played a significant role in the early mapping of the Spanish territories in the New World.

In the arts, Francisco Zarzuela, born in 1716, was a renowned composer and guitarist, whose music greatly influenced the development of classical Spanish music. His works are still celebrated today for their intricate compositions and melodic mastery.

More recent historical figures include Antonio de Zarzuela, a 19th-century botanist born in 1845, who made significant contributions to the study of Mediterranean flora. His extensive collections and writings remain critical references for modern botanical research.

The surname Zarzuela has endured through various historical periods, always reflecting a connection to the natural landscape of Spain. This enduring link to place and environment highlights the deeply rooted heritage of families that bore the name, contributing to its rich etymological and historical significance.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Zarzuela

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

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

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

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