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

Zertuche, 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 Zertuche surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Zertuche in America

Zertuche is the 16147th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Zertuche surname appeared 1,792 times in the 2010 census and if you were to sample 100,000 people in the United States, approximately 1 people would have the surname Zertuche.

We can also compare 2010 data for Zertuche 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 Zertuche

The surname Zertuche has its origins in Spain and is particularly associated with the region of Cantabria in the northern part of the country. The earliest reference to the name dates back to the late Middle Ages, approximately around the 15th century. Zertuche is believed to derive from the Basque word "Zarautz" or "Zarautza," which means "field" or “meadow.” The importation of this surname into Spain suggests a connection to areas where the Basque language and culture had influence.

Historical records indicate that the Zertuche surname appeared in several medieval manuscripts in Cantabria. The name was associated with minor nobility and local gentry who held lands in the region. One of the earliest recorded instances of the name is found in a census from 1492, listing Alonzo de Zertuche, a landowner in Cantabria, as one of the prominent figures in the area.

Another notable person bearing the Zertuche surname is Juan de Zertuche, who was born in 1550 and played a significant role in Spanish history as a colonial administrator in the New World. He was known for his contributions to the early colonial administration in Mexico, where he served as a governor in the early 1600s. Juan de Zertuche's efforts in the administration and organization of new colonies were well documented, showing the spread of this surname beyond the Spanish mainland to its colonies.

The name also appears in historical documents related to land grants and noble lineage. In the 17th century, Isabel de Zertuche, born in 1623, was recorded as receiving a significant land grant from the Spanish crown. This record not only signifies the family's continued prominence but also their loyalty and service to the monarchy during a period of territorial expansion.

The surname further appears in the annals of military history. Diego de Zertuche, born in 1681, was a noted military officer who served in the Spanish Army during the early 18th century. His participation in several campaigns, including the War of Spanish Succession, earned him recognition and commendation, highlighting the name in military archives and historic registers.

By the 19th century, the Zertuche name continued to surface in historical documents. Maria de la Luz Zertuche, born in 1805, was a prominent social figure in Madrid, known for her patronage of the arts and support for cultural institutions. Her involvement in various charitable organizations and cultural patronage is recorded in various societal and historical accounts of the period.

The origin and legacy of the Zertuche surname reflect a rich historical tapestry of nobility, military service, colonial administration, and cultural patronage, making it an integral part of the historical narrative of Spain and its former colonies. Each historical figure bearing the surname Zertuche contributed to its enduring legacy, ensuring that the name remains a significant marker of historical heritage.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Zertuche

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

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

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

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