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

Zebley, 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 Zebley surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Zebley in America

Zebley is the 38754th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Zebley surname appeared 570 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 Zebley.

We can also compare 2010 data for Zebley 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 Zebley

The surname Zebley is believed to have its origins in Germany. The earliest appearances of the name date back to the late medieval period, specifically around the 13th and 14th centuries. It is thought that the name Zebley originated from a specific region in Germany, potentially derived from geographical features or landmarks.

The etymology of Zebley can be traced to similar Germanic spellings and words. It might be connected to the Old High German word "Zabel," meaning "board" or "table," which could indicate a family who historically worked as carpenters or in some aspect of woodwork. Another potential root is the German word "Zeible," which is a diminutive form for "Zebu," referring to a type of domestic cattle, suggesting that some bearers of the name might have been cattle herders.

The name Zebley appears in various historical documents and records. One of the earliest known mentions is in a 14th-century registry from the Bavarian region, where a Heinrich Zebley is listed as a landowner. This indicates the name's established presence in the area during that time period.

Another notable mention of the name is from the 16th century, where a Johannes Zebley is referenced in municipal records in the city of Cologne. He was known to be a merchant who conducted trade throughout the Rhineland. His business dealings were well-documented, providing valuable insights into the economic activities of the region during that century.

As the name spread, variations and adaptations appeared. In the 18th century, a Wilhelm Zebley emigrated from Saxony to Pennsylvania in 1729. He established a farmstead in the New World, and his descendants became prominent figures in local communities. This emigration led to the spread of the name Zebley in the United States, where it has since taken on its own unique historical significance.

David Zebley, born in 1792, was a noteworthy individual bearing this surname in American history. He served as a state legislator in Delaware and played a significant role in state politics during the early 19th century. His contributions to local governance and public policy are still recognized today.

Another historical figure with the surname is Friedrich Zebley, born in 1815 in Bavaria. As an extraordinary watchmaker, his craftsmanship was well-regarded, securing his legacy within the German watchmaking community. His intricate designs and precision had a lasting influence on the trade.

The name Zebley also appears in military records during the American Civil War, where a Captain Charles Zebley served with distinction in the Union Army. He was born in 1837 and is remembered for his bravery and leadership during crucial battles.

In the early 20th century, an Ernest Zebley made significant contributions to art and culture. Born in 1900, he became a respected artist whose landscape paintings captured the natural beauty of rural America. His work earned critical acclaim and continues to be celebrated in art circles.

The surname Zebley encapsulates a diverse and multifaceted history, rooted in Germanic origins but stretching far across the Atlantic. Throughout centuries, individuals bearing this name have made their mark in various fields, from politics and commerce to art and military service.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Zebley

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

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

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

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