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

Zenteno, 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 Zenteno surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Zenteno in America

Zenteno is the 24325th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Zenteno surname appeared 1,031 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 Zenteno.

We can also compare 2010 data for Zenteno 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 Zenteno

The surname Zenteno has its origins in Spain, tracing back to the time period between the late Middle Ages and the early Renaissance. This surname is particularly rooted in the region of Castile. The Spanish surname Zenteno is derived from the word "centeno," which translates to "rye" in English. This indicates that the bearers of this name were likely involved in agricultural practices, specifically the cultivation of rye, a significant and staple crop at that time.

The earliest historical references to the name Zenteno appear in medieval manuscripts and records from the Castilian region. While the exact date of first use is challenging to pinpoint, mentions of the surname can be found in various tax records, land grants, and legal documents dating back to the 15th century. Old spellings and variations of the surname include Centeno and Centena, reflective of the phonetic and orthographic practices of the time.

One of the earliest recorded individuals with the surname Zenteno is Juan Zenteno, who was mentioned in Castilian land records from the year 1492. These documents highlight his status as a landowner and agricultural producer, which adds credence to the etymological roots of the name being tied to farming and cultivation.

Moving into the 17th century, another prominent historical figure bearing the surname was Ignacio Zenteno, a Spanish soldier born in 1605. Ignacio played a significant role in the military campaigns of that era and is noted for his contributions to the Spanish efforts during the Thirty Years’ War. His military service brought renown to the Zenteno name, particularly in regions influenced by Spanish presence.

In the 18th century, another notable individual was Francisco Zenteno, born in 1720. He served as a colonial administrator in Spanish-held territories in Latin America. Francisco Zenteno's work in expanding Spanish colonial interests in what is now modern-day Mexico and Central America exemplifies the spread of the surname beyond the Iberian Peninsula.

The 19th century saw the prominence of Manuel Zenteno, born in 1815. He was a pioneering academic and writer who significantly contributed to the intellectual and educational landscapes of Spain. His prolific contributions included several books and essays on Spanish literature and history, cementing his legacy as a learned scholar.

Finally, in the mid-20th century, the name gained recognition again with the emergence of Carlos Zenteno, born in 1923. Carlos Zenteno was an influential political figure and diplomat who served in various capacities within the Spanish government. His diplomatic missions and political career showcased the enduring prevalence of the Zenteno name within spheres of influence far removed from its agrarian origins.

Throughout history, the Zenteno surname has been carried by individuals who have made significant contributions to agriculture, military, academia, and politics. The evolution of its spelling and the persistence of the name in historical records reflect its enduring legacy in Spanish-speaking regions.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Zenteno

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

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

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

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