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

Zeug, 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 Zeug surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Zeug in America

Zeug is the 80419th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Zeug surname appeared 236 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 Zeug.

We can also compare 2010 data for Zeug 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 Zeug

The surname Zeug has origins that trace back to German-speaking regions. Specifically, the name is noted in areas of present-day Germany and Austria. Its etymology can be linked to the Middle High German word "ziuoc" or "ziucht," meaning thing or equipment, often referencing tools or implements. The spelling variants include Zueg and Zeuch, seen in historical documents dating back to the medieval period.

The earliest recorded examples of the surname Zeug can be seen in tax records and land registries from the 14th century in Bavaria, Germany. An entry from 1373 mentions a Hans Zeug as a landowner in the vicinity of Nuremberg, indicating that the family might have been involved in artisanal crafts or agriculture. Furthermore, the spelling variant Zueg appears in the Annals of Augsburg from 1421, recording a Michel Zueg as a blacksmith.

Historical manuscripts also make note of the Zeug family. The 16th-century records from the Tyrolean region highlight the presence of a family named Zeug, with records pointing to a Heinrich Zeug (1502–1574), who was an accomplished woodworker. Heinrich’s intricate designs and craftsmanship were noted in several ecclesiastical settings.

In the 17th century, the name spread to other German-speaking areas due to migration patterns. A notable family from Swabia includes Jacob Zeug (1630–1698), who was a known figure in the regional cloth-making industry.

Moving into the 18th century, records from Vienna mention Katharina Zeug (1738–1792), who was a midwife and known for her contributions to improving childbirth practices in her locality. Her legacy extended through written accounts preserved in Viennese libraries.

Another significant person with the surname is Joseph Zeug (1764–1835), a teacher and early advocate of educational reforms in Tyrol. His writings and teachings influenced the educational standards of his time.

The historical spread and adaptation of the surname Zeug showcase a lineage connected to various trades, reflecting their societal roles from medieval to early modern Europe. They left tangible marks in records and contributions to their areas, ensuring their surname's endurance through centuries.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Zeug

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

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

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

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