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

Zegarra, 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 Zegarra surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Zegarra in America

Zegarra is the 31656th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Zegarra surname appeared 730 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 Zegarra.

We can also compare 2010 data for Zegarra 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 Zegarra

The surname Zegarra originates from Spain, specifically from the region of Galicia in the northwest of the Iberian Peninsula. Galicia has a rich history and a distinct culture influenced by Celtic traditions, which differentiates it from other regions of Spain. The name Zegarra is believed to have emerged during the Middle Ages, a tumultuous period marked by various kingdoms vying for control and the subsequent Reconquista.

Zegarra is thought to derive from the Galician or Basque words related to the geographical features of the area. In Basque, zegarra can refer to a sacristy or a church-related feature, which aligns with the tradition of surnames being related to local landmarks or occupations. The surname may also have evolved from variations in spelling and pronunciation over time, such as Segarra or Cegarra, influenced by regional dialects.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the Zegarra surname appears in the records of the 16th century, when the Spanish Empire was expanding its territories into the New World. Historical references often found in church and legal documents of that period mention families bearing the Zegarra name. These records document land grants, church donations, and local governance, situating the surname within the context of Spanish colonial administration.

Prominent individuals with the Zegarra surname have made significant contributions in various fields over centuries. One such individual is Juan de Zegarra, who was recorded in 1586 as an influential figure in the local government in the town of Lugo, Galicia. His role in municipal leadership highlights the surname's association with governance and community affairs.

Another noteworthy person is Captain Francisco Zegarra, a 17th-century Spanish military officer who served in the Spanish colonies in Latin America. His exploits and leadership during military campaigns were documented in colonial records, indicating the surname's presence and influence in the Americas during Spanish colonization.

In the early 18th century, Father Mateo Zegarra was a well-known Jesuit priest who played a significant role in the religious and educational missions in South America. His work in establishing schools and churches helped spread both religious belief and education, marking the Zegarra name as influential in ecclesiastical circles.

Maria Zegarra, a prominent poet and writer from Peru, born in 1842 and died in 1918, emerged as a cultural icon in the 19th century. Her literary contributions and activism for women's rights positioned her as a pioneer in Peruvian literature and social reform, illustrating the Zegarra surname's impact in the arts and society.

In the realm of regional politics, Manuel Zegarra, an influential politician from Bolivia in the mid-20th century, significantly shaped the political landscape of his time. His efforts in national reforms and public administration underpin the continued presence and importance of the Zegarra surname in contemporary history.

Throughout history, the Zegarra surname has been associated with leadership, religious influence, literary achievements, and social reforms, reflecting a legacy that spans continents and centuries.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Zegarra

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

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

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

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