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

Zech, 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 Zech surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Zech in America

Zech is the 20157th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Zech surname appeared 1,324 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 Zech.

We can also compare 2010 data for Zech 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 Zech

The surname Zech has its origins in the German-speaking regions of Europe, particularly within the areas that are now modern-day Germany and Austria. The earliest instances of this surname can be traced back to the Middle Ages, around the 12th century. It is derived from the Middle High German word "zech," which translates to "juggler" or "musician," indicating that it likely started as an occupational surname for individuals who performed as jugglers or musicians at fairs, markets, and other public gatherings.

The earliest documented use of the surname Zech can be found in medieval charters and tax records. One of the first notable mentions appears in the chronicles of Nuremberg during the late 13th century. A record dated 1270 refers to one Heinrich Zech, a musician in the service of the local nobility. This indicates that individuals with this surname were engaged in the performing arts and had some degree of status within their communities.

In the 14th century, another historical reference to the surname Zech is found in the records of the town of Augsburg. A document from 1355 includes the name of a burgher named Johann Zech, who was noted for his contributions to local civic life. This period also saw the use of the surname in other forms, such as "Czech" and "Check," reflecting regional dialects and spelling variations.

During the 15th century, the surname continued to appear in various German-speaking regions. A notable bearer of the name was Hans Zech, born in 1412, a renowned craftsman in Vienna who was recognized for his exceptional woodworking skills. His works included exquisite altarpieces and furniture that were highly sought after by the ecclesiastical and noble classes.

Another significant figure with the surname Zech was Margarethe Zech, born in 1530 in Munich. She became known for her charitable activities and significant contributions to local hospitals and orphanages. Her legacy included numerous donations that enhanced the welfare facilities of her time, underlining the philanthropic aspects associated with the surname.

In the 17th century, the surname Zech appeared in Prussian military records. One of the most notable individuals was Captain Andreas Zech, born in 1645, who served with distinction during the Thirty Years' War. His leadership and bravery were documented in various military dispatches, emphasizing the surname's presence among the ranks of military officers.

The surname Zech has thus traversed through centuries, reflecting a rich tapestry of historical and occupational backgrounds. Its bearers have played significant roles in various domains such as the arts, craftsmanship, civic life, philanthropy, and military service, all contributing to the legacy of this distinctive German surname.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Zech

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

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

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

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