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

Zecua, 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 Zecua surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Zecua in America

Zecua is the 117480th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Zecua surname appeared 148 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 Zecua.

The history of the last name Zecua

The surname Zecua has its origins deeply rooted in the ancient Mesoamerican cultures, specifically among the Nahua people who lived in what is today central Mexico. This name is believed to have originated around the post-classical period, roughly between the 10th and 16th centuries. It is derived from the Nahuatl language, which was spoken by the Aztecs and many other groups in the region.

The word Zecua may stem from an old Nahuatl term that described a particular characteristic or profession, though its precise meaning has been somewhat lost to the passage of time. This period saw the rise and fall of several significant civilizations such as the Toltecs and the Aztecs, who left behind records and manuscripts including codices that occasionally mention family names and lineages.

One of the first documented mentions of the name Zecua appears in a 1529 Spanish colonial record, where an individual named Xolotl Zecua was noted as a local leader or noble in the region of modern-day Tlaxcala. This suggests a high social standing and possibly a noble lineage. Names like Zecua were often recorded by Spanish colonizers alongside their own surnames, which helped in preserving these indigenous names.

A notable figure with the surname Zecua was Tecuani Zecua, born around 1570, who was known as a valiant warrior during the Spanish conquest of the Aztec Empire. He is often cited in oral histories and some post-conquest accounts for his resistance against the colonizers. His life remains largely shrouded in legend, but his name has been passed down as part of Mexico's rich tapestry of history.

In the 17th century, Coatl Zecua emerged as a prominent landowner and merchant in central Mexico. His activities were documented in various trade records from the time, illustrating his role in the economic landscape of the post-conquest era. He played a significant part in the local economy, dealing mainly in textiles and maize, commodities that were crucial for both sustenance and trade.

Into the 18th century, the name Zecua appears again in missionary records. A man named Ocelotl Zecua, born in 1723, converted to Christianity under Spanish missionary efforts and became one of the early indigenous priests in the newly established Catholic Church. His ordination was a significant event recorded in church annals aiming to show the spread of Christianity among the indigenous populace.

Finally, in the 19th century, a prominent political figure named Citlalli Zecua stands out. Born in 1805, she was known for her advocacy for indigenous rights during a time of profound social and political upheaval in Mexico. Her efforts in fighting for the land and cultural rights of her people were well-documented in various petitions and letters addressed to government authorities, thus cementing her legacy in the annals of Mexican history.

The surname Zecua, with its origins deeply intertwined with the Nahua culture and history, thus carries with it a legacy that reflects the rich and complex history of central Mexico. It stands as a testament to the enduring presence and influence of its bearers throughout the centuries.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Zecua

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

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 Zecua 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.

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

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

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