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

Zinni, 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 Zinni surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Zinni in America

Zinni is the 46219th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Zinni surname appeared 461 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 Zinni.

We can also compare 2010 data for Zinni 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 Zinni

The surname Zinni originates from Italy, a country known for its rich cultural and historical names. The name likely has its roots in Southern Italy, particularly in regions like Calabria and Sicily. The earliest traces of the surname Zinni can be linked to the late Middle Ages, around the 13th to 14th centuries.

The name Zinni is believed to derive from an ancient Italian word or root that closely resembles 'zinnia,' a type of flower, symbolizing beauty and elegance. Linguistic studies suggest that it might also have originated from a local dialect or a nickname associated with a notable family characteristic, possibly referring to a zesty or lively personality within the family lineage.

Historical records from the Renaissance period already contain mentions of the Zinni surname. One of the earliest documented occurrences of the name appears in municipal records from the city of Cosenza, Calabria, during the 15th century. This period witnessed the flourishing of many Italian surnames as families began to establish themselves within specific trades and towns.

In the 16th century, Giovanni Zinni was a prominent figure and the first historically significant bearer of the name. Born in 1520 in Naples, Giovanni became well-known as a skilled stonemason and architect. His work contributed significantly to the Renaissance architecture that characterized Italy during that period. He passed away in 1579, leaving behind various architectural landmarks.

Another notable figure with the surname was Alessandro Zinni, a 17th-century physician who made significant contributions to early modern medicine. Born in 1603 in Palermo, Sicily, Alessandro dedicated his life to studying and compiling medical knowledge, which was later utilized as reference material in medical schools. He died in 1675, remembered as a pioneer in his field.

By the 18th century, the Zinni name had become more established across different parts of Italy. Maria Zinni, born in 1745 in the city of Naples, gained recognition as a talented painter. Her works, mostly depicting religious scenes, found their place in various Italian galleries. Many of her paintings are still appreciated for their artistic finesse and historical importance. She passed away in 1801.

In the 19th century, the surname gained international recognition with Paolo Zinni, an Italian patriot born in Rome in 1810. He was actively involved in the Italian unification movement, fighting alongside Giuseppe Garibaldi. Paolo's efforts were instrumental in the events leading to the unification of Italy in 1861. He died in 1875, celebrated as a national hero.

Toward the late 19th century, Angelo Zinni became a significant figure. Born in 1875 in Milan, Angelo became an influential entrepreneur, establishing one of the first textile factories in Northern Italy. His innovations in textile manufacturing played a crucial role in Italy's industrial development. Angelo Zinni is remembered for his contributions to the Italian economy, and he passed away in 1942.

The Zinni surname, with its rich Italian roots, has a history marked by notable figures across various fields, including architecture, medicine, art, patriotism, and industry. Each bearer of the name has contributed to the cultural and historical fabric of Italy, leaving a legacy that continues to inspire.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Zinni

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

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

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

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