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

Zempel, 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 Zempel surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Zempel in America

Zempel is the 40745th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Zempel surname appeared 536 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 Zempel.

We can also compare 2010 data for Zempel 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 Zempel

The surname Zempel likely has its origins in Germany, with its earliest records dating back to the medieval period. The name is believed to be derived from the Middle High German word "zampel," which means "to swing or dangle," suggesting that it may initially have been a nickname for someone with a distinctive gait or mannerism. The geographical roots of the Zempel surname can most likely be traced to areas within Central and Eastern regions of Germany, specifically around Brandenburg and Saxony.

Old-recorded references to the name Zempel appear in church registers and local manuscripts from the late 15th to 16th centuries. One of the notable early mentions was of Hans Zempel, a resident of Brandenburg, recorded in 1518. Such entries indicate the name's presence and consistent use within certain German populations during this period. The records don't provide extensive details, but their existence confirms the usage of Zempel as a surname during these centuries.

Over time, variations of the name appeared in different regions, influenced by local dialects and phonetic spelling differences. For instance, the name sometimes appeared as "Zimpel" or "Zembl" in various texts. Another historical figure was Matthias Zempel, who lived around the early to mid-16th century, famously recognized in local history as a craftsman in Saxony, born circa 1520 and passing in 1590.

In the 18th century, documentation and records become more plentiful. Friedrich Zempel, born in 1735 in Hesse, was recorded as an influential local merchant. His prominence in the trading community further solidified the name Zempel within the German economic landscape of the time. By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, some bearers of the surname had emigrated to other countries, spreading the name beyond German borders.

Within literary circles, Heinrich Zempel, born in 1799, was a well-known writer and poet. His works contributed to a renaissance of German literary culture during the Romantic period. He left a lasting legacy through his poetry and essays, influencing many peers before his death in 1856.

Moving into the 19th century, records indicate a Captain Wilhelm Zempel, born in 1823, who served in the Prussian military. His career spanned several significant military campaigns, and he was noted for his strategic acumen until his death in battle in 1870. His contributions were documented in several military archives, underscoring the surname's linkage to individuals who played pivotal roles in historical events.

While Zempel remains relatively rare, its historical journey from a German nickname to a recognized surname across various societal roles highlights its rich etymological and cultural tapestry.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Zempel

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

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

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

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