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

Zentgraf, 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 Zentgraf surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Zentgraf in America

Zentgraf is the 61899th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Zentgraf surname appeared 324 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 Zentgraf.

We can also compare 2010 data for Zentgraf 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 Zentgraf

The surname Zentgraf has its origins deeply rooted in Germany, particularly during the medieval period. The name derives from the Middle High German words "zent," referring to a cent or hundred, and "graf," meaning count or magistrate. Essentially, the term "zentgraf" translates to a high-ranking official or count responsible for a territorial unit, typically a hundred or cent. These officials played significant roles in the administration and judicial processes within their domains.

Records dating back to the 13th and 14th centuries provide some of the earliest references to the Zentgraf surname. Historical documents from various German regions, such as Hessen and Thuringia, mention individuals bearing the Zentgraf name in public and administrative capacities. The Reichsministerialien (Imperial Ministeriales) often highlighted Zentgrafen as central figures in local governance. Manuscripts and charters from this period frequently reference the role of a Zentgraf in adjudicating disputes and managing community affairs, underscoring their importance in medieval society.

Among the earliest recorded instances of the surname is Heinrich Zentgraf, who appeared in Hessian records around 1270. Heinrich held a respected administrative position, charged with overseeing the local courts and maintaining order within his jurisdiction. Another notable individual, Johannes Zentgraf, emerged in Thuringian records in 1302, serving a similar administrative role. His duties encompassed the collection of taxes and the execution of judicial responsibilities, reinforcing the historical significance of the Zentgraf title.

Georg Zentgraf, born in 1425 and active in the mid-15th century, gained prominence as a legal advisor in the former Duchy of Saxony. Known for his legal expertise, Georg was frequently consulted by local nobility for his counsel on matters of law and governance. Another distinguished figure, Maria Zentgraf, born in 1512, was noted for her involvement in charitable activities and contributions to the religious and social life of her community in Hessen.

In the 17th century, Johann Conrad Zentgraf, born in 1643, became recognized for his work as a jurist and academic in the Free Imperial City of Frankfurt. Johann Conrad contributed significantly to the legal literature of the time, authoring several treatises on German customary laws and judicial practices. His works provided a foundational basis for the interpretation and application of legal principles in Germany and influenced subsequent generations of legal scholars.

The surname Zentgraf's presence persisted into the subsequent centuries, with various individuals making notable contributions within their respective fields. The historical trajectory of the Zentgraf name underscores a lineage deeply entwined with the administrative, legal, and social frameworks of medieval and early modern Germany, offering a fascinating glimpse into the roles and responsibilities that have shaped the legacy of this distinguished surname.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Zentgraf

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

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

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

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