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

Zierke, 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 Zierke surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Zierke in America

Zierke is the 55841st most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Zierke surname appeared 367 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 Zierke.

We can also compare 2010 data for Zierke 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 Zierke

The surname Zierke is of German origin, with early roots traceable to the northeastern region of Germany. It is speculated to have originated around the Middle Ages, appearing in areas such as Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. The name possibly derives from older German words or regional dialects. One hypothesis is that it may be linked to the Middle Low German word "zieren," meaning to decorate or adorn, suggesting a historical occupation related to craftsmanship or decoration.

Historical references to the name date back to various medieval records and documents. One such early reference appears in a manuscript from the late 14th century, highlighting the name in local administrative and parish records in regions that were once part of the Holy Roman Empire. This indicates that bearers of the name were likely involved in community affairs and were recognized members of society during this period.

The earliest recorded examples of the surname Zierke are found in local municipal records of Rostock and Greifswald, which are historical towns with rich histories dating back to the Hanseatic League. One notable individual is Hans Zierke, who appeared in land transactions in Rostock around 1450. This early mention suggests that the Zierke family may have been landowners or involved in trade, given Rostock's prominence as a commercial hub.

Another significant figure is Johann Zierke, a craftsman operating in Greifswald in the early 1500s. His work in the region is documented in town records, detailing his contributions to local construction projects and the upkeep of municipal buildings. These records provide insights into the occupational roles of the Zierke family during this era.

By the 17th century, the surname had spread slightly beyond its original region. In the records from the Thirty Years' War, a soldier named Friedrich Zierke is noted for his service in the Swedish army, reflecting the broader geopolitical shifts of the time. Friedrich’s service under the Swedish crown signifies the complex interactions and migrations within northern Europe during the wars of religion and territorial conflict.

In the 18th century, the name appears in Prussian military and civil documentation. One prominent individual was Karl Heinrich Zierke, born in 1712, who served as an officer in the Prussian army. His distinguished career, notably during the Silesian Wars, underscored the martial tradition and professional advancements some bearers of the surname achieved during the era of Frederick the Great.

By the 19th century, the Zierke surname can be found among the intelligentsia, with individuals such as Wilhelm Zierke, born in 1825, a noted scholar and professor at the University of Berlin. His contributions to historical studies and published works on medieval German history cemented his legacy in academic circles.

Throughout its history, the surname Zierke has been associated with various professions, from craftsmen to military figures and scholars. These historical snippets contribute to a rich tapestry, highlighting the enduring nature of this surname from its medieval origins to its recognized place in German history.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Zierke

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

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

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

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