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

Zirker, 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 Zirker surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Zirker in America

Zirker is the 77522nd most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Zirker surname appeared 247 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 Zirker.

We can also compare 2010 data for Zirker 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 Zirker

The surname Zirker finds its origins in Germany, specifically within the Bavarian region, dating back to the early medieval period around the 12th century. The name is typically associated with areas known for their fortified settlements, such as small towns or communities with castles and defensive structures.

The etymology of Zirker is likely related to the German word Zirke, which means "a fenced or enclosed area, often a small fort or castle." Similar spellings such as Zirk, Zirkus, or Zirken have been found in ancient manuscripts and charters, reflecting the variations in regional dialects and the lack of standardized spelling during the Middle Ages.

One of the earliest recorded mentions of the surname Zirker can be found in a 13th-century Bavarian tax register. The register lists a Heinrich Zirker, who was a landowner in the Upper Palatinate region, around the year 1245. This Heinrich is noted for his contributions to the construction of local fortifications, which were vital for the defense against regional conflicts at the time.

In the 15th century, another noteworthy individual was Hans Zirker, born in 1437 in the town of Regensburg. Hans Zirker gained recognition as a master stonemason, contributing to the construction of several Gothic cathedrals in the region. His work on the Regensburg Cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, is particularly well-documented and celebrated.

During the 17th century, a prominent figure named Martin Zirker emerged. Born in 1621, Martin Zirker was a notable merchant and councilman in the town of Nuremberg. His involvement in the city's political and economic spheres during the Thirty Years' War showcases the influence and resilience of the Zirker family during turbulent times.

The surname Zirker also appears in the context of religious history. In the early 18th century, Johann Zirker, born in 1703, became an influential clergyman in the Protestant Reformation movement. His sermons and writings contributed to the dissemination of reformed theological ideas in Southern Germany, marking a significant spiritual and cultural impact.

Lastly, in the mid-19th century, Andreas Zirker, born in 1825, emerged as a key figure in the field of education. Andreas Zirker founded several schools in Bavaria, advocating for progressive educational reforms and the importance of accessible education for all social classes. His legacy in the development of the Bavarian school system is still remembered and honored.

The surname Zirker, rooted deeply in the history of Bavarian culture, has left a lasting impact through its association with fortifications, craftsmanship, commerce, religion, and education. Each historical figure bearing the name highlights the diverse contributions of the Zirker lineage to German society over the centuries.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Zirker

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

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

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

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