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

Zenisek, 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 Zenisek surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Zenisek in America

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

The Zenisek 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 Zenisek.

We can also compare 2010 data for Zenisek 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 Zenisek

The surname Zenisek is of Czech origin, and its roots can be traced back to the regions of Bohemia and Moravia, areas that are now part of the Czech Republic. In terms of time period, the name likely originated in the Middle Ages, specifically around the 14th or 15th century, a time when surnames were becoming more common throughout Europe.

The name Zenisek is derived from the given name Zdeněk, which itself has Slavic origins. It is related to the Slavic word "zdenek," which means "to build" or "builder." Over time, the name underwent various phonetic and morphological changes, resulting in the surname Zenisek as we know it today. The suffix "-sek" is a common diminutive or patronymic ending in Czech, often used to indicate a family relationship or origin.

The earliest recorded instance of the surname Zenisek dates back to the 15th century, found in local records and church manuscripts. One notable early reference appears in a register from 1492, documenting a land transaction in the town of Jihlava, a historic city located in the Vysočina region of the Czech Republic. The presence of this surname in such records indicates the family's involvement in local governance and commerce.

One of the first prominent individuals with the surname Zenisek was Jan Zenisek, born in 1584 in Prague and died in 1646. He was a respected merchant and city councilor who played a significant role in the local economy. His contributions to the city's development are well-documented in municipal records from that era.

Another notable figure was Karel Zenisek, an 18th-century painter born in 1715 and died in 1789. His works, which include various portraits and religious artworks, remain part of the Czech Republic's rich artistic heritage. Records from several art galleries and museums in Bohemia still feature his contributions, illustrating the cultural impact of the Zenisek family.

In the 19th century, František Zenisek, an educator and author born in 1823 and died in 1887, made his mark. He was known for his progressive views on education and wrote several influential works on pedagogical methods. His writings were widely read and contributed to educational reforms in the Austro-Hungarian Empire, of which the Czech lands were a part at the time.

The surname also appears in historical military records, including that of Josef Zenisek, born in 1861 and died in 1922. He served as an officer in the Austro-Hungarian army and fought in several key battles. His name is inscribed on a memorial plaque honoring soldiers from the region, indicative of his valor and service.

In the early 20th century, we find reference to Antonín Zenisek, a notable botanist born in 1901 and died in 1975. His research and publications on Central European flora gained international recognition, and he was a prominent figure in botanical circles of his time. His extensive collections and writings are preserved in several natural history museums across Europe.

Through its etymological roots, historical records, and notable bearers, the surname Zenisek provides a window into the socio-cultural fabric of Czech history. The name endures as a testament to the legacy of the individuals who bore it, reflecting a rich tapestry of contributions to society across various fields.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Zenisek

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

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

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

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