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

Zavalza, 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 Zavalza surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Zavalza in America

Zavalza is the 26243rd most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Zavalza surname appeared 931 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 Zavalza.

We can also compare 2010 data for Zavalza 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 Zavalza

The surname Zavalza has its origins in Spain, emerging during the late Medieval period, specifically around the 12th or 13th century. The name is believed to have originated in the northern regions of Spain, particularly within the Basque Country, an area known for its distinct linguistic and cultural heritage. The Basque influence is evident in the name's structure, as 'Zavalza' can be traced back to the Basque word 'zabal,' which means 'wide' or 'broad.' The suffix 'za' is common in Basque toponyms and surnames, often implying a geographical feature or a characteristic of the land.

The name Zavalza is relatively rare and does not appear frequently in early historical records. However, it is believed to have been derived from place names or notable families within the Basque-speaking regions. One of the earliest mentions of a similar name appears in records from the Navarre area in the 14th century, where variations like Zabalza or Zabala were more common. These early records often documented land ownership, tax obligations, and other legal matters, suggesting that individuals with the surname Zavalza were likely landowners or people of some prominence within their communities.

One notable historical figure with this surname is Andoni Zavalza, a Basque noble who participated in the regional councils of the early 16th century. Another individual, Miguel Zavalza, was recorded in documents relating to the local governing body of the town of Pamplona in 1582, suggesting his involvement in municipal affairs. By the 17th century, the name had also appeared in various legal documents, including marriage records and property transactions, indicating its continued presence in the Basque regions.

In the 18th century, the name began to spread beyond Spain, particularly to the Americas, as part of the larger wave of Spanish colonization. Francisco Zavalza, born in 1721 in the Basque Country, is documented as one of the early settlers in what is now Mexico, contributing to the name's presence in the New World. His descendants continued to use the surname, and some rose to prominence in local business and agricultural sectors.

During the 19th century, the Zavalza name became associated with various professions and social standings. Ignacio Zavalza, born in 1845, was a notable figure in the Mexican War of Reform, fighting on the Liberal side. His contributions were significant in shaping the political landscape of the region during this tumultuous period.

By the early 20th century, individuals with the surname Zavalza had established themselves across various Latin American countries. María del Carmen Zavalza, born in 1898, was known for her contributions to education reform in Argentina, advocating for improved educational standards and access.

Throughout history, the name Zavalza has been borne by individuals of varying prominence, primarily within the Basque Country and later across Spanish-speaking regions in the Americas. The evolution of the name from its Basque roots to its presence in the New World reflects a journey of migration, adaptation, and integration into new cultures and societies.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Zavalza

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

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

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

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