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

Zishka, 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 Zishka surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Zishka in America

Zishka is the 159712th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Zishka surname appeared 101 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 Zishka.

The history of the last name Zishka

The surname Zishka has its roots in central Europe, particularly within the regions that make up modern-day Germany and the Czech Republic. The name is believed to have originated from the Czech word "žižka," which translates to "eye" in English, though it could also denote someone with a specific physical trait related to the eye, such as a squint or a distinctive eye color. It's important to note that similar surnames like Žižka or Zischka exist and may share a common origin or meaning.

Historical records suggest that the name Zishka first appeared in the late medieval period. One prominent historical figure bearing this surname is Jan Žižka, a Czech general born in 1360 who became a national hero during the Hussite Wars. While the spelling with an accent over the initial Ž may differ slightly, his name underscores the surname's deep historical roots in Bohemian territory (now the Czech Republic).

Early records from the 14th and 15th centuries frequently reference Jan Žižka, particularly in documents related to the Hussite movement. These documents highlight Žižka's significant role in leading the Hussite forces against the Holy Roman Empire's crusades. As a military leader, he employed innovative tactics that are well-documented in historical texts related to the wars he fought in. Jan Žižka died in 1424, and his legacy has been preserved in numerous manuscripts, chronicles, and songs recounting his military prowess.

Another individual of note is Nicholas Žižka, an associate of Jan Žižka, who played a secondary but crucial role in the Hussite Wars. While less is known about Nicholas's precise birth and death dates, he is frequently mentioned in the same breath as Jan Žižka in historical accounts from the same period.

Moving forward to the 16th century, a figure named Martin Zischka emerges. While the spelling differs somewhat, it emphasizes the evolution and geographic spread of the surname. Martin was a Lutheran pastor operating in Saxony, an area where the name had migrated due to regional conflicts and shifting borders. Historical church records from 1573 to 1592 mention Martin Zischka frequently, emphasizing his contributions to religious thought during the Reformation.

The surname appears again in the late 17th century with Johann Zischka, an Austrian merchant known for his extensive trade networks across Central Europe. His activities are noted in business records and correspondences dating from 1690 to 1717, highlighting the surname's transition into more commercial endeavors as Europe entered the early modern period.

By the 18th century, the surname had further diversified. Viktor Zishka, a minor nobleman, and landowner in Bavaria, is recorded in tax documents from 1745. His holdings and the mention of his family in local histories reflect the social mobility and expansion of the surname beyond its original regional confines.

In summary, the surname Zishka, with its Czech origins and various historical spellings, highlights a rich and complex lineage. From its genesis in the medieval period with figures like Jan Žižka to its later adaptations and regional variations, the name encapsulates significant historical, cultural, and social developments across Central Europe.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Zishka

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

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 Zishka 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.

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

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

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