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

Zaytsev, 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 Zaytsev surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Zaytsev in America

Zaytsev is the 62359th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Zaytsev surname appeared 321 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 Zaytsev.

We can also compare 2010 data for Zaytsev 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 Zaytsev

The surname Zaytsev is of Russian origin and is primarily derived from the Old Russian word "заяц" (zayats), which means "hare" or "rabbit". This etymological root places the name in the category of surnames based on animal names, which was a common practice in many cultures. The name Zaytsev would therefore originally have been a nickname or occupational name for someone known to be swift and agile, like a hare, or possibly for a hunter specializing in hunting hares.

The name Zaytsev can be traced back to the early records of the Russian Empire. Throughout the centuries, its variations appeared in the rural regions of Russia, particularly in areas renowned for their hunting terrains. Historical documents and parish registers from the 16th and 17th centuries include variations such as Zaetz, Zaitsev, and Zaets. These variations indicate the phonetic adaptations over time.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name appears in the Pomestnye Akty, which were land records documenting the ownership and transfer of estates in the Russian Empire. In the 16th century, Ivan Zaytsev was recorded as a minor noble landowner in the Moscow region. Ivan’s ownership of land signifies the family's integration into the lower nobility and their relative influence in the region during that period.

A notable bearer of the surname was Vasily Zaytsev (1915-1991), a famed Soviet sniper during World War II. Born in Yeleninka, Vasily Zaytsev gained legendary status for his skill and precision in the Battle of Stalingrad, where he was credited with over 225 confirmed kills. His war-time actions were later immortalized in the film "Enemy at the Gates," which brought broader recognition to the Zaytsev surname.

Another historical figure is Dmitry Ivanovich Zaytsev (1789-1862), a Russian veterinarian and scientist. Dmitry's contributions to veterinary science during the 19th century were significant, particularly his efforts in the understanding and treatment of livestock diseases. His work laid the foundation for many modern veterinary practices in Russia.

Sergey Zaytsev, born in 1953, is another prominent name. He is acclaimed for his achievements in the field of space engineering. Sergey’s contributions to the Soviet and later Russian space programs illustrate the modern usage of the Zaytsev name in scientific and technological advancements.

The name also appears in arts and culture. Zinaida Zaytseva (1846-1921), a Russian painter and member of the Realist movement, depicted the everyday life and landscapes of Russia in her works. Zinaida's paintings are considered a vital part of Russian art history and are displayed in various Russian museums.

Aleksandr Zaytsev (1948-1971), a figure skater, is remembered for being a two-time Olympic gold medalist. His partnership with figure skater Irina Rodnina in pairs skating brought international acclaim to Soviet sports. Aleksandr’s exceptional talent left a lasting legacy in the world of competitive figure skating.

The history of the surname Zaytsev reveals its deep-rooted cultural and historical significance within Russia. Its etymological origins, historical records, and the notable individuals who bore the name reflect the rich tapestry of Russian heritage and the diverse contributions of its bearers to various professional fields.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Zaytsev

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

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

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

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