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

Zimlich, 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 Zimlich surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Zimlich in America

Zimlich is the 71478th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Zimlich surname appeared 273 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 Zimlich.

We can also compare 2010 data for Zimlich 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 Zimlich

The surname Zimlich has its origins in Germany, where it likely emerged during the Middle Ages. The name is thought to have originated from the regions of Bavaria and Rhineland-Palatinate, areas known for their historical significance and contributions to Germanic culture. The name Zimlich is believed to be derived from the Middle High German word "zimelîch" which translates to "modest" or "proper." This suggests that the name may have initially been a nickname or descriptor rather than a family name.

Early records of the surname Zimlich can be traced back to medieval manuscripts and local registers in southern Germany. One of the earliest mentions of the name was in the 14th century, in the tax records of the city of Mainz. These records indicate that individuals with this surname were already present and contributing to the local economy during this period. The spelling of the name has remained relatively consistent over the centuries, with variations such as Zimlich and Zimlick occasionally appearing in historical documents.

One historical figure of note is Johann Zimlich, born in 1432 in Mainz, who served as a councilor in the city. His contributions to the civic administration are well-documented, and he is remembered for his role in the reconstruction efforts following the city’s destruction during the Mainz Diocesan Feud. Another significant person bearing this surname was Wilhelm Zimlich, born in 1521 in Nuremberg, who was a prominent merchant and member of the city's influential guilds.

In the 17th century, records show a Kaspar Zimlich, a German artisan who emigrated to the American colonies. He settled in Pennsylvania in 1683, becoming one of the early German settlers in what would become Germantown. His legacy includes enhancing the burgeoning German-American community and contributing to the area's development through his skilled craftsmanship.

Moving into the 18th century, Friedrich Zimlich (1754-1823) was known in Bavaria as a skilled musician and composer, whose works influenced the local folk music tradition. He was a frequent performer at regional festivals and his compositions were published, leaving a lasting impact on the cultural heritage of Bavaria.

During the 19th century, Heinrich Zimlich (1789-1856) emerged as a notable agronomist in the Rhineland. His advancements in agricultural techniques and soil management helped modernize farming practices in the region, improving crop yields and living standards for the rural population. His published works on agronomy were widely circulated and studied, underscoring his lasting influence.

Throughout history, individuals bearing the surname Zimlich have played significant roles in their respective fields, contributing to civic, cultural, and economic developments in their regions. The surname serves as a testament to the diverse and enduring legacy of those who bore it.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Zimlich

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

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

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

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