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

Zempoaltecatl, 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 Zempoaltecatl surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Zempoaltecatl in America

Zempoaltecatl is the 111426th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Zempoaltecatl surname appeared 158 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 Zempoaltecatl.

The history of the last name Zempoaltecatl

The surname Zempoaltecatl originates from Mexico, specifically from the indigenous Nahuatl-speaking regions during the pre-Columbian era. Nahuatl was the language of the Aztecs and other central Mexican cultures, and many surnames are derived from Nahuatl words describing geography, occupation, or characteristics.

The name Zempoaltecatl is derived from ancient Nahuatl. It can be broken down into three main components: "Zempoal," meaning twenty; "Tetl," meaning stone; and "Cātl," a suffix used to indicate a person or people. Combined, it roughly translates to "person of twenty stones." In Nahuatl culture, names often signified important traits or localities, and the significance of "twenty stones" could be associated with a particular societal role, geographical feature, or familial heritage.

Historical records containing Zempoaltecatl are sparse, as many indigenous records were destroyed during the Spanish conquest and subsequent colonization. Oral traditions and local legends, however, preserve fragments of history that mention families bearing this surname prominent in the valley regions of central Mexico. These families were often involved in local governance and held significant social standing within their communities.

One of the earliest well-documented individuals with the surname Zempoaltecatl was Xihuitl Zempoaltecatl, a notable leader from the Tlaxcala region during the late 15th century. Xihuitl was known for his political acumen and efforts in defending his people against neighboring factions. He played a crucial role in the alliances formed during the initial stages of the Spanish invasion, which were pivotal in the eventual downfall of the Aztec empire.

In the 16th century, another prominent figure was Teuctli Zempoaltecatl, born around 1520. Teuctli was recorded as a landholder and intermediary between Nahuatl-speaking peoples and Spanish colonial authorities. His ability to navigate both cultures allowed for a degree of autonomy in his community, and local manuscripts from the period reference his negotiations and land transactions.

A notable figure in the 18th century was Itzcoatl Zempoaltecatl, who was reputed for his scholarship and efforts to preserve Nahuatl literature and history. Born in 1746, Itzcoatl compiled several manuscripts that chronicled pre-Hispanic traditions and stories, making significant contributions to the preservation of indigenous Mexican culture.

In the early 19th century, during the Mexican War of Independence, Ameyalli Zempoaltecatl played a vital role as a strategist and liaison for insurgent forces in the Puebla region. Born in 1795, Ameyalli's intimate knowledge of local terrains and social networks was instrumental in several key victories for the independence movement.

Lastly, Tonatiuh Zempoaltecatl, born in 1883, emerged as a prominent figure in the early 20th century during the Mexican Revolution. His leadership in the Zapatista movement highlighted his commitment to land reform and indigenous rights. Tonatiuh's efforts were pivotal in several battles and helped shape the socio-political landscape of post-revolutionary Mexico.

These individuals reflect the deep historical and cultural roots of the Zempoaltecatl surname, embodying the resilience and continuity of Nahuatl heritage through centuries of change.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Zempoaltecatl

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

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 Zempoaltecatl 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.

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

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

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