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

Zirnheld, 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 Zirnheld surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Zirnheld in America

Zirnheld is the 80131st most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Zirnheld surname appeared 237 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 Zirnheld.

We can also compare 2010 data for Zirnheld 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 Zirnheld

The surname Zirnheld originates from the German-speaking regions of Europe, particularly within the territories that now comprise modern-day Germany and Switzerland. It is believed to have emerged during the medieval period, primarily around the 12th to 14th centuries. The name is linked to the Middle High German words zirn, meaning anger or wrath, and held, meaning hero or champion. Combined, Zirnheld likely referred to a warrior or hero known for their formidable temper or fierce demeanor.

The earliest recorded instances of the name Zirnheld appear in manuscripts and land records from the High Middle Ages. One significant early mention is found in a 1325 legal document in the region that is today southern Germany. The document records a knight named Heinrich Zirnheld, who was noted for his martial prowess and landholdings near the town of Ulm. This historical figure exemplifies the initial connotation of the name tied to valor and temperament.

In 1453, another notable bearer of the surname, Hans Zirnheld, was documented in the city of Basel, Switzerland. He was a prominent merchant known for his extensive trade networks throughout the Holy Roman Empire. His success in commerce and civic contributions led to the family's rise in local social standing, influencing the name's association with domestic leadership and economic influence.

During the late 16th century, Karl Zirnheld emerged as a distinguished scholar and theologian based in the university town of Heidelberg. His academic works on religious reformation gained significant attention, bringing intellectual prestige to the surname. Karl's publications are still referenced in historical religious studies, reflecting the lasting impact of his intellectual contributions.

By the early 18th century, the Zirnheld family name appeared in records from Alsace, a region that frequently changed hands between France and Germany. Anna Maria Zirnheld, born in 1702 in Strasbourg, is one of the notable figures from this period. She was a respected midwife whose practice spanned over five decades, and she compiled an influential manual on midwifery techniques that remained in use well into the 19th century.

A military figure of significance, Johann Friedrich Zirnheld, was born in 1757. He served as an officer in the Austrian Empire and fought in several key battles during the Napoleonic Wars, notably at the Battle of Austerlitz in 1805. His diaries and military records provide valuable insights into the period's warfare and the experiences of soldiers.

The name Zirnheld carries a rich history intertwined with various facets of European medieval and early modern life. From its martial and combative origins to intellectual and civic contributions, bearers of the name have made significant impacts in their respective fields throughout history, leaving a lasting legacy.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Zirnheld

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

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

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

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