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

Zaw, 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 Zaw surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Zaw in America

Zaw is the 46404th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Zaw surname appeared 459 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 Zaw.

We can also compare 2010 data for Zaw 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 Zaw

The surname Zaw has its origins in Burma (now Myanmar), a country in Southeast Asia. It can be traced back to ancient Burmese culture where the name was likely to have been derived from the Burmese word "ဇော်" which means "victorious" or "success." The usage of the name Zaw can be found in historical texts and records from the kingdom of Bagan, which flourished between the 9th and 13th centuries.

One of the earliest references to the name Zaw is found in the royal chronicles of Myanmar, which detail the lineage and exploits of Burmese kings and nobles. In these chronicles, several individuals with the surname Zaw are mentioned, indicating it was a name associated with nobility and leadership. An early notable figure is Zaw Gyi, a highly respected poet and literary figure in the Pre-Colonial period. His works are still celebrated today for their rich use of language and traditional themes.

In the 18th century, the name Zaw appeared in several British colonial documents during the colonial era of Burma. One significant figure from this period is Hla Zaw, a prominent statesman, who played a key role in negotiations with British colonial administrators. His diplomatic efforts are well-documented in the colonial archives of the British Empire.

Another historical personality bearing the surname Zaw was Bo Zaw, a legendary general in the Burmese resistance against Japanese occupation during World War II. Bo Zaw's strategic acumen and leadership were crucial in several key battles, solidifying his place in Burmese military history. His contributions to the fight for independence remain an important part of Myanmar's historical narrative.

In the late 19th and early 20th century, Zaw Win Maung, a scholar and activist, emerged as a prominent figure advocating for educational reforms and modernization in Burma. His writings and public speeches greatly influenced the intellectual and political landscape of the time, and his legacy continues to inspire new generations of scholars.

Continuing into the mid-20th century, Daw Mya Zaw became one of Myanmar's first female parliamentarians. Her efforts in the realms of women's rights and social reform marked significant strides in the country's progress towards gender equality and societal improvement.

Throughout history, the surname Zaw has been associated with leadership, intellect, and resistance, with various individuals bearing this name leaving indelible marks on the cultural and political landscape of Myanmar. The historical significance of the surname Zaw is deeply rooted in the rich tapestry of Burmese history, reflecting the enduring legacy of those who have borne the name.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Zaw

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

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

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

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