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

Zirkel, 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 Zirkel surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Zirkel in America

Zirkel is the 48347th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Zirkel surname appeared 437 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 Zirkel.

We can also compare 2010 data for Zirkel 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 Zirkel

The surname Zirkel originates from Germany, with its roots traceable back to the Medieval period. The name is derived from the Middle High German word "zirkel," which means "circle" or "compasses." This indicates an occupational origin, likely linked to someone who worked with circular measurements or drawing compasses, possibly an architect or a geometer.

Historical references to the name Zirkel can be found in various old records and manuscripts. One of the earliest mentions can be traced to the 13th century in Germany. For instance, an individual named Johann Zirkel was recorded in municipal documents in Cologne in 1276. This record suggests that the name had gained some prominence or recognition by this period.

The earliest recorded example of the surname Zirkel in a significant manuscript appears in a 14th-century tax register from the region of Bavaria. Conrad Zirkel, born around 1320 and died in 1385, is mentioned as a landowner and a respected member of the local guild. This indicates that the name was not only associated with professional or technical skills but also with property ownership and social status.

Various place names bear resemblance to the surname, adding to its historical depth. For example, the village of Zirkelstein in Saxony is believed to have connections to the Zirkel family, likely named after a prominent family member or due to the family's influence in the area. Another notable individual is Heinrich Zirkel, who served as a councilor in Nuremberg in the early 15th century, specifically from 1410 to 1445, highlighting the family's active role in civic duties.

The name Zirkel also appears in scholarly works, with one of the most famous bearers being Ferdinand Zirkel, a prominent German geologist and petrographer born in 1838 and passing in 1912. Ferdinand's contributions to the field of microscopy and crystal studies have provided an enduring legacy and highlighted the name in academic circles.

Additionally, references to the surname can be found in the history of the Eastern European Jewish communities, suggesting migration and diaspora. Rabbi Samuel Zirkel, born in 1709 and died in 1788, was renowned for his learned works and leadership within the Jewish community in Lithuania, illustrating the spread and influence of the name beyond Germanic regions.

In conclusion, the surname Zirkel has a rich and varied history, with roots in medieval Germany that expanded through professional prominence, land ownership, and scholarly achievements. The name’s appearance in historical documents and its connection to significant individuals provide a tapestry of occupational, social, and cultural heritage.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Zirkel

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

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

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

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