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

Zervas, 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 Zervas surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Zervas in America

Zervas is the 39837th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Zervas surname appeared 551 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 Zervas.

We can also compare 2010 data for Zervas 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 Zervas

The surname Zervas traces its origins to Greece, with its etymology rooted in the Greek word "zerva," meaning "left" or "left-handed." This surname likely originated in the Middle Ages, a time when descriptive surnames based on physical characteristics or behavioral traits were common. Primarily found in various regions of Greece, its earliest bearers were likely identified by their left-handedness, a notable trait in a predominantly right-handed world.

Historical references to the surname Zervas can be found in various medieval Greek manuscripts and records. The name first appeared in written documents during the Byzantine era, a period that spanned from approximately 330 to 1453 AD. Byzantine naming practices often included geographical or characteristic indicators, explaining the descriptive nature of Zervas.

One of the earliest recorded examples of the Zervas surname appears in a 14th-century land registry in the Peloponnese region. Here, a landowner listed as "Georgios Zervas" was documented in connection to property holdings, suggesting the name was already established by this time. This registry, among others, serves as an important historical record for tracing the lineage and spread of the Zervas surname.

Throughout history, several individuals bearing the surname Zervas have made notable contributions to Greek society. Nikos Zervas, a prominent figure in the Greek War of Independence, was born in 1778 and died in 1861. His military leadership and involvement in key battles highlight the name's presence during this pivotal period in Greek history.

Another notable bearer was Georgios Zervas, an influential educator and writer in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Born in 1855, Georgios devoted his life to improving the Greek educational system and is remembered for his contributions to modern Greek literature until his death in 1926.

The surname saw representation in Greek politics as well, with Ioannis Zervas, a politician born in 1895. Ioannis served in various governmental roles throughout his career, contributing to the country's post-war recovery before his death in 1970.

In more recent history, Andreas Zervas, born in 1945, became well-known in the field of medicine. His research and advancements in cardiology have earned him recognition both within Greece and internationally, continuing the legacy of the Zervas name through his ongoing work.

Finally, Dimitrios Zervas, an acclaimed musician born in 1965, has brought cultural attention to the surname. Known for his virtuosity and contributions to modern Greek music, Dimitrios remains an active figure in Greece's cultural landscape.

Through these historical records and notable bearers, the surname Zervas weaves a rich tapestry of Greek heritage, one that reflects the region's social, cultural, and political evolution over centuries. The name's continued presence underscores its longstanding significance and the enduring legacy of those who have carried it.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Zervas

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

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

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

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