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

Zembower, 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 Zembower surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Zembower in America

Zembower is the 61297th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Zembower surname appeared 328 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 Zembower.

We can also compare 2010 data for Zembower 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 Zembower

The surname Zembower is believed to have its origins in the regions of Germany, likely dating back to the medieval period. It is thought to be derived from the German word "Zimmerbauer," which translates to "room builder" or "carpenter." The German spelling hints at an occupational surname, designating those who were skilled in woodwork or constructing living spaces, a vital trade during these times.

The regions where the surname originally appeared are primarily within Bavaria and surrounding areas, known for their rich history of craftsmanship and trades. Historical records from these areas show variations of the surname, such as Zimberbauer or Zemerbauer, indicative of the phonetic spelling variations common before standardized spelling practices.

One of the earliest known references to the surname Zembower appears in a Bavarian tax register from the late 15th century. The records from 1475 mention a Jost Zimberbauer who was a recognized carpenter in the town of Bamberg. This reference solidifies the occupational roots of the surname and provides a geographical anchor for the family name’s early presence.

Through the ages, different members carrying the surname have risen to prominence. For example, Hans Zembower, born in 1510, was recorded as a master craftsman in Nuremberg. His works and contributions to local building projects were well-documented in municipal records. In the 17th century, another notable individual, Friedrich Zembower, born in 1632, became a recognized guild member in Augsburg, where he was involved in the construction of notable civic buildings.

The 18th century saw the spread of the name to other parts of Europe and even across the Atlantic, owing to migration patterns. Johann Zembower, born in 1720 in Bavaria, emigrated to Pennsylvania in 1742, where he established himself as a prominent carpenter in the newly founded settlements. His descendants played significant roles in local communities and continued the trade, contributing to the surname’s legacy in America.

In the 19th century, Maria Zembower, born in 1821, was an influential figure in her local Bavarian town of Füssen. Known for her charitable works and contributions to the local church, her legacy is still commemorated in the annals of the town’s history. Her efforts in community building and philanthropy were significant in maintaining the family name's prestige.

Another well-documented figure is Wilhelm Zembower, born in 1857, who was a prominent architect in Munich. His designs and architectural projects received recognition and were instrumental in shaping certain parts of the city’s architectural landscape. His contributions have been chronicled in various architectural archives, cementing his place in history.

Thus, while the surname Zembower may not be exceedingly common, its bearers have made significant historical contributions, particularly in the fields of carpentry, architecture, and community service. The surname encapsulates a rich heritage of craftsmanship and service, originating from medieval Germany.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Zembower

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

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

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

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