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

Ziller, 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 Ziller surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Ziller in America

Ziller is the 36900th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Ziller surname appeared 605 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 Ziller.

We can also compare 2010 data for Ziller 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 Ziller

The surname Ziller has its origins in the German-speaking regions of Europe, particularly within the borders of what is now modern-day Germany and Austria. The name is believed to have originated in the Middle Ages, around the 13th or 14th centuries. Ziller is a toponymic surname, derived from a place or geographic feature associated with the bearer's ancestors. It likely comes from the Ziller Valley in Tyrol, Austria, a region known for its rugged terrain and the Ziller River that flows through it. The valley was a significant area during medieval times, known for settlements and trade routes.

The name Ziller may be derived from the Old High German word "zil," meaning "goal" or "target," possibly referring to a notable landmark or destination within the valley. Another interpretation suggests that it could come from "Zilher," an older form of the name, indicating a person living near water or a place associated with the Ziller River. Over time, the spelling and pronunciation evolved, but the root remained connected to the geographic feature.

Historical references to the surname Ziller can be found in various regional records and documents. One of the earliest recorded instances of the name dates back to the 14th century in the form of Heinrich Ziller, a minor nobleman in Tyrol, noted for his participation in local feudal disputes. Another early example includes Hans Ziller, mentioned in 1430 as a property owner in the Ziller Valley, indicating the presence of the family in the area for several generations.

There are also mentions of the surname Ziller in tax records, church documents, and legal proceedings from the 15th and 16th centuries. One notable individual was Georg Ziller, born in 1522 and died in 1579, who served as a member of the city council in Innsbruck. His influence in local governance showcases the prominence the Ziller family had achieved by this time.

Throughout history, other notable figures bearing the surname Ziller have emerged. For example, Johann Ziller, born in 1705, was known as an influential merchant in Frankfurt. His trade dealings extended across Europe, establishing the Ziller name in commercial circles. Friedrich Ziller, born in 1795 and died in 1849, was a noted German architect whose works contributed to the urban development in Saxony during the 19th century.

In the arts, Julius Ziller, born in 1837, made significant contributions as a composer and conductor in Vienna. His musical works remain part of the classical repertoire in Austrian music history. Another influential figure was Eduard Ziller, an educator and theorist in the late 19th century, who was instrumental in developing educational philosophies that shaped teaching methods in German schools.

The surname Ziller, through its various spellings and the noteworthy individuals who carried it, reflects a rich history tied to a specific geographic region. Its evolution over centuries has seen it move beyond its original locale, carried by individuals who made their mark in various fields, thereby perpetuating the legacy of the name.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Ziller

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

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

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

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