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

Zehren, 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 Zehren surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Zehren in America

Zehren is the 53419th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Zehren surname appeared 387 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 Zehren.

We can also compare 2010 data for Zehren 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 Zehren

Originating from Germany, the surname Zehren has its roots in the medieval period, most likely dating back to the 12th or 13th century. The name is primarily found in the regions of Bavaria and Saxony, places known for their dense forests and rugged terrains. It is believed to be derived from the Middle High German word "zerren," which means "to drag" or "to pull." This might suggest that the earliest bearers of the name were involved in occupations that required physical labor, possibly in agriculture or forestry, where pulling or dragging heavy loads was commonplace.

The earliest known records of the surname Zehren appear in feudal documents and local registries from the 14th century. One of the oldest references can be found in a 1357 tax record from Saxony, which lists a Heinrich Zehren as a landholder and farmer. Another early mention is from a legal manuscript in Nuremberg dated 1394, citing a dispute involving a Wilhelm Zehren, a merchant who was engaged in trade routes between towns along the Elbe River.

In historical manuscripts and parish records from the 16th and 17th centuries, the surname appears with variations in spellings such as Zerren and Serren. A notable figure from this period is Johann Zehren (born 1503, died 1567), a prominent figure in the Reformation movement who documented several theological treatises advocating for Protestant practices. His writings contributed significantly to the religious debates of his time.

The 18th century saw the name Zehren spread to other regions, notably to areas under Prussian control. In 1764, a military record from the Kingdom of Prussia lists a Sergeant Karl Friedrich Zehren as having served in the Seven Years' War. His bravery and strategic acumen were noted in several battle accounts, making him a well-regarded figure among his regiment.

The late 19th century witnessed an increase in emigration from Germany, and the surname Zehren found new prominence across the Atlantic. One of the more well-documented figures is Ludwig Zehren (born 1838, died 1902), who emigrated to the United States and became a successful businessman in the burgeoning brewing industry in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. His contributions to the industry were recognized with several accolades for quality and innovation in brewing techniques.

Throughout centuries, the surname has carried its historical weight and geographical roots with dignity. The name Zehren not only reflects the strength and laborious nature of its early bearers but also stands as a testament to their contributions in various fields, from theology and military to commerce and industry. Its historical richness continues to echo through the ages, solidifying its place in the tapestry of surnames worldwide.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Zehren

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

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

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

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