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

Zeiset, 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 Zeiset surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Zeiset in America

Zeiset is the 35945th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Zeiset surname appeared 624 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 Zeiset.

We can also compare 2010 data for Zeiset 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 Zeiset

The surname Zeiset is believed to have Germanic origins, likely derived from the medieval regions of what is now Germany. The name appears to have roots in areas such as Bavaria or the Rhineland, which historically consisted of small principalities and free territories. These regions were known for their complex tapestry of dialects, which could have contributed to various spellings and forms of the surname.

The name Zeiset may be connected to the German word "Zeise," which translates to "finch" in English, suggesting the name could have originally referred to someone who had a characteristic associated with the bird, perhaps in behavior or appearance. Alternatively, it might have denoted someone living in proximity to a place named for the bird. Evolving language patterns over centuries likely transformed "Zeise" into Zeiset, indicating a diminutive or pet form in dialectal variations.

Historical references to the surname Zeiset are sparse but notable. One of the earliest recorded instances of a similar name appears in municipal archives from the early 16th century in the Bavarian region. A Wilhelm Zeiset, documented around 1520, was known for his work as a master blacksmith, a respected trade during that period. His craftsmanship was mentioned in local guild registries, indicating his significance in the community.

In the mid-17th century, records from the Rhineland include a Johann Zeiset, born in 1642 and died in 1711, who held a minor administrative position in a local court. His contributions to local governance are noted in surviving civic records, illustrating the evolving role of the family in local affairs. This period was marked by significant social and economic changes, which perhaps helped the Zeiset name gain some prestige.

The 18th century saw a Johann Michael Zeiset, born in 1725 in the Palatinate, who migrated to America as part of the mass emigration spurred by religious persecution and economic hardship. Settling in Pennsylvania, he became a prominent member of the early German-American communities, contributing to the rich tapestry of immigrant history in the United States. His descendants played various roles in the burgeoning American society, further cementing the surname's presence in the New World.

Important figures bearing the surname continued into the early 19th century with Elisabeth Zeiset, born in 1803 and noted for her role in early industrial labor movements in the Rhineland. Representing the working class, she became a vocal advocate for improved working conditions in textile mills, a testament to the ongoing social evolution in European industrial society.

Finally, in the late 19th century, an Andreas Zeiset, born in 1867, gained recognition as an influential educator and local historian in the Alsace region. Documenting local history and folklore, his works remain a valuable resource for understanding the cultural heritage of the area. His dedication to education and preservation of history showcases the surname's association with knowledge and cultural contribution.

These historical vignettes demonstrate the diverse roles individuals with the surname Zeiset have played over centuries, from craftsmanship and administrative duties to education and advocacy, illustrating a rich and varied legacy.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Zeiset

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

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

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

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