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

Zenda, 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 Zenda surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Zenda in America

Zenda is the 93921st most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Zenda surname appeared 195 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 Zenda.

We can also compare 2010 data for Zenda 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 Zenda

The surname Zenda is believed to have its origins in Eastern Europe, particularly in regions that are now part of modern-day Hungary and Romania. The name first appeared in medieval records from the 13th century, suggesting an earlier presence in these areas. One of the earliest spellings encountered in historical documents is "Zende," which evolved into "Zenda" over time.

The name Zenda likely derives from an old Hungaro-Slavic word, "zende," meaning "alive" or "living." This root word infused the surname with a connotation of vitality and endurance, traits that were highly valued during the medieval period. The adaptability of Zenda is reflected in its various spellings found in old parish records, tax rolls, and even in some local folklore tales.

One of the earliest documented instances of the surname Zenda is found in a Hungarian tax record from 1298, where a certain Miklos Zenda was noted as a landowner in what is present-day Southern Hungary. This record indicates the prominence of the Zenda family in local governance and agriculture. Another significant historical mention is in a 1421 military document from Transylvania, listing Janos Zenda as a knight serving a local lord. This points to the name's association with the warrior class during that era.

The name also appears in a religious context, with the mention of Ilona Zenda, a nun recorded in the annals of a Transylvanian abbey around 1534. Her contributions to the abbey’s chronicles included a detailed account of local customs, laying a foundation for future historical research in the region. Place names like Zendava, a small village documented in the 16th century, further suggest the geographical spread and influence of the surname.

Another notable figure is Ferenc Zenda, a physician born in 1602, who made significant advances in the field of herbal medicine. His manuscripts, largely preserved in the National Library of Hungary, provide a rare glimpse into the medical practices of his time. Ferenc's works were highly respected, making his surname synonymous with early medical expertise.

By the 18th century, the name Zenda had made its way into the merchant class as well. Maria Zenda, born in 1768, was a successful trader in textiles and is frequently mentioned in the trade ledgers of the era. Her business acumen helped establish trade routes between Hungary and neighboring regions, proving the name's association with both commerce and innovation.

The name Zenda thus carries a rich tapestry of historical significance, from medieval landowners and knights to religious figures, physicians, and merchants. It captures a legacy marked by endurance, adaptability, and respect in various social strata, making it a name with a profound historical footprint.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Zenda

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

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

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

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