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

Zibell, 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 Zibell surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Zibell in America

Zibell is the 51281st most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Zibell surname appeared 406 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 Zibell.

We can also compare 2010 data for Zibell 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 Zibell

The surname Zibell can be traced back to Germanic origins, and it is believed to have originated during the Middle Ages, possibly around the 12th century. The name likely derives from the Middle High German word "zibell," which translates to "sable," a reference to the sable marten, a valuable fur-bearing animal known for its luxurious pelt. This suggests that the surname may have originally been occupational, referring to someone who traded in or hunted sable fur.

Zibell appears in various historical records and documents from regions in what is modern-day Germany and surrounding Eastern European countries. The earliest known reference to the surname in recorded history dates back to 1287 in a Bavarian document, which mentions a Heinrich Zibel as a landowner. Such records indicate the surname's presence in both urban and rural areas, suggesting that individuals with this name were engaged in various trades and professions, extending beyond fur trading.

Over the centuries, the surname has appeared in different forms, including Zibel, Zybell, and Zybell. These variations suggest regional dialectical influences and the fluidity of spelling in historical documents. Notably, a 14th-century census in the province of Silesia lists a Johann Zibel, hinting at the geographical spread of the name into Eastern Europe.

Several notable individuals carrying the Zibell surname have left their mark on history. For instance, Hans Zibell, a 16th-century merchant from Leipzig, was known for his extensive trade routes throughout Europe. Another significant figure, Anton Zybell (1730-1790), was a renowned artist in Prussia whose works remain in European galleries. Maria Zibell (1765-1832) gained fame as a midwife in Berlin, with her pioneering techniques being documented in medical literature of the time.

Further historical exploration reveals Franziska Zibell, a 19th-century social reformer born in 1825, who advocated for child labor laws in Germany. Her efforts contributed significantly to the welfare of working children in industrial cities. Additionally, the academic world recognizes Georg Zybell (1892-1957), a distinguished historian, whose extensive research on medieval Germanic tribes remains influential.

The surname Zibell, with its rich, multifaceted history, reflects a deep cultural heritage linked to various regions in Europe. Its roots in occupational terminology, along with its presence in historical records, bear testament to the diverse paths taken by individuals and families carrying this name through the centuries.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Zibell

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

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

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

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