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

Zipper, 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 Zipper surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Zipper in America

Zipper is the 51723rd most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Zipper surname appeared 402 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 Zipper.

We can also compare 2010 data for Zipper 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 Zipper

The surname Zipper has roots in central and eastern Europe, particularly within Germany and Austria. The earliest form of the surname can be traced back to the medieval period, with its origins likely stemming from the German-speaking regions. The name is believed to be derived from the Middle High German word ‘zifer,’ meaning ‘comb,’ but its exact etymological journey remains somewhat obscure. Additionally, it may have connections to the trade or occupation associated with making or selling combs, as surnames often reflected professional endeavors in medieval societies.

In medieval Germany, many surnames were linked to occupations, geographical features, or personal characteristics. The Zipper surname first appeared in historical records during the 14th century. One of the earliest recorded individuals with this surname was Hans Zipper, who was documented in the year 1378 in Bavaria. Bavarian records from this era often provide valuable insights into the lives of medieval families and the occupations they pursued.

Historical records from subsequent centuries indicate that the Zipper surname was often associated with artisan trades. By the 16th century, the name could be found in various regions of the Holy Roman Empire, notably Bavaria, Saxony, and parts of modern-day Austria. Manuscripts and local records from cities like Augsburg and Nuremberg during this period frequently feature mentions of families bearing the Zipper surname.

One such notable individual was Johann Zipper (1590–1654), a prosperous merchant in Munich. His business dealings and contributions to his community are well-documented in 17th-century Bavarian records. The legacy of the Zipper family continued into the 18th and 19th centuries, with numerous individuals making significant contributions to their localities. Another prominent figure was Georg Zipper (1723–1798), who was known for his work in the burgeoning textile industry in Austria.

As the centuries progressed, the Zipper name spread beyond its original locales due to migration and geopolitical changes. In the 19th century, many Europeans, including those with the surname Zipper, emigrated to America and other parts of the world in search of better opportunities. Among such individuals was Karl Zipper (1821–1896), who emigrated to the United States and became involved in early industrial enterprises in Pennsylvania. His efforts in the iron and steel industry contributed to the growth of American industrialization during this period.

The name Zipper has also been borne by individuals who achieved recognition in the arts and sciences. For instance, Fritz Zipper (1901–1986) was a notable composer and music conductor in Vienna. His contributions to classical music were significant during the mid-20th century, and his efforts were recognized by numerous cultural institutions.

Throughout history, the Zipper surname has been associated with various professions, particularly those related to craftsmanship and commerce. Its journey from medieval Germany to global prominence reflects broader patterns of European migration and professional specialization.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Zipper

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

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

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

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