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

Zilka, 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 Zilka surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Zilka in America

Zilka is the 32562nd most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Zilka surname appeared 706 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 Zilka.

We can also compare 2010 data for Zilka 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 Zilka

The surname Zilka likely originates from the Eastern European region, closer to countries such as the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Poland. The name itself appears to have roots embedded in the Slavic linguistic tradition. The surname can be traced back to the medieval era, particularly around the 13th and 14th centuries when surnames began to stabilize as a means of identifying individuals and families.

Zilka may derive from an old Slavic word related to silk or something delicate and fine, reflecting a profession or characteristic associated with the original bearers. The similar Czech word "žilka," which means "small vein" or "tiny stream," could suggest a geographical feature linked to the earliest people or families using the surname. Another possible origin is from the Germanic side, where "Zilk" might have appeared as a variation.

One of the earliest recorded instances of a similar surname is the mention of a family surname "Silka" in a 15th-century census of Prague. The similarity in spelling and pronunciation suggests that Zilka might be a variant that evolved with regional dialects and phonetic changes over time. Although no direct historical records of Zilka from this period are evident, similar names in regional documents bolster the likelihood of its existence.

In the 18th century, a notable figure with the surname Zilka was Johann Zilka, born in 1745 in the Czech region of Bohemia. Johann's family was known for their craftsmanship in textiles, which may hint at an occupational origin for the name. Historical records show Johann contributing to local guilds, indicating that the Zilka name was well-regarded in artisan circles.

Another prominent individual was Katarina Zilka, born in 1812 in Slovakia. Katarina gained recognition for her literary contributions, particularly folk tales and regional stories that captured the cultural essence of her community. Her works were later collected and published, preserving the Zilka name in Slovak cultural history.

In the late 19th century, a scientist named Dr. Emil Zilka made significant strides in the field of natural sciences. Born in 1869, Emil's research on plant genetics earned him a respected place among European botanists. His publications during the early 1900s are still referenced, evidencing the lasting impact of his work.

Moving into the 20th century, Margarete Zilka, born in 1903 in Poland, became a noted political figure. She played a crucial role in the resistance movements during World War II and was later involved in post-war recovery efforts. Margarete's dedication to social causes left a notable imprint on her community and country.

Another individual of historical significance was Gregory Zilka, an artist whose works gained prominence in the mid-20th century. Gregory, born in 1928, was known for his unique style that combined traditional Eastern European themes with modern techniques. His artworks are displayed in various galleries, signifying the cultural heritage carried by the Zilka name.

The surname Zilka, with its rich variance in professional and cultural backgrounds, exemplifies the diverse tapestry of Eastern European lineage and its global contributions across centuries. Through historical figures in artisan crafts, literature, science, politics, and art, the Zilka name weaves together a narrative of enduring legacy and diverse achievement.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Zilka

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

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

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

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