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

Zitterkopf, 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 Zitterkopf surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Zitterkopf in America

Zitterkopf is the 89753rd most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Zitterkopf surname appeared 206 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 Zitterkopf.

We can also compare 2010 data for Zitterkopf 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 Zitterkopf

The surname Zitterkopf has its origins in Germany, particularly during the medieval period. The name is believed to have originated in the regions of Bavaria and Swabia, areas known for their rich history and cultural heritage. The etymology of Zitterkopf can be broken down into two distinct German words: "zitter," which means "to tremble" or "shake," and "kopf," which translates to "head." As a surname, it likely originated as a descriptive nickname, possibly referring to a person with a quivering or shaky head, which could have been due to an illness or a particular trait observed by their peers.

Historical references to the surname Zitterkopf are sparse, but it has appeared in records dating back to the early 14th century. In 1325, a manuscript in the Bavarian region mentioned a Heinrich Zitterkopf, a local farmer noted for his participation in village council meetings. This reference suggests the name was already well-established by this period.

One of the earliest recorded examples of the name can be found in the town of Augsburg in 1387, where a merchant named Johann Zitterkopf was documented in trade records. Johann was known for his trade in textiles and became relatively affluent, which allowed him to influence local economic policies. The name Zitterkopf appeared in various spellings over the centuries, including Zitterkopp and Zitterkopf, as regional dialects and literacy levels affected the standardization of surnames.

Throughout history, several individuals with the surname have made notable contributions to their communities. In 1573, Elisabeth Zitterkopf, an herbalist from Nuremberg, gained recognition for her remedies and medicinal knowledge, which were sought after by both common folk and nobility. Her work was later compiled into a manuscript that circulated among early medical practitioners.

Martin Zitterkopf, born in 1645 in Munich, was a well-known playwright and poet of his time. His works often depicted the social struggles and cultural changes of the late 17th century, providing valuable insight into the era's societal dynamics. By the 18th century, the name had spread to other German-speaking regions, carried by descendants who sought opportunities in new towns and cities.

In the 19th century, Franz Zitterkopf, born in 1820 in Stuttgart, became a prominent engineer and inventor. His contributions to early locomotive designs greatly impacted the burgeoning railway industry, and his innovations earned him several patents and accolades. Franz's career mirrored the industrial advancements of his time, reflecting the spirit of ingenuity and progress.

Another notable individual, Clara Zitterkopf, born in 1883 in Leipzig, was an early advocate for women's rights and education. Her work as an educator and reformer helped pave the way for greater educational opportunities for women in Germany, and she wrote extensively on the importance of equal access to education, leaving a lasting legacy in educational reform movements.

The surname Zitterkopf, though relatively rare, has been borne by individuals who left their mark on various fields such as commerce, medicine, the arts, engineering, and social reform. Its unique etymology and historical references paint a picture of a surname that encapsulates personal characteristics, regional history, and significant contributions to society over the centuries.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Zitterkopf

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

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

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

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