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

Zizzi, 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 Zizzi surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Zizzi in America

Zizzi is the 83541st most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Zizzi surname appeared 225 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 Zizzi.

We can also compare 2010 data for Zizzi 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 Zizzi

The surname Zizzi traces its origins to Italy, particularly within the southern regions such as Puglia and Basilicata. Its earliest known appearances date back to the Middle Ages, a period marked by the flourishing of familial names. The name is believed to derive from the old Italian word "zizza," meaning "teat" or "nipple," which could have been a nickname or a term of endearment. This peculiar origin reflects a time when surnames often stemmed from physical attributes, personal characteristics, or professions.

One of the earliest records of the Zizzi surname can be found in the ecclesiastical documents of the 14th century in Puglia. These records indicate the name's presence in local registers, highlighting its establishment within the regional nobility and merchant classes. Over the centuries, the name has maintained its prominence in these areas, often appearing in baptismal, marriage, and death records as local archives reveal.

During the Renaissance, the name Zizzi continued to be notable in various Italian regions. Among those bearing this surname, Bartolomeo Zizzi, a 16th-century merchant from Bari, played a significant role in the Mediterranean trade routes. He navigated the complex economic landscape of the period, contributing to the wealth and cultural exchange of his home city. Such historical references underline the diverse roles individuals with this surname occupied across different societal strata.

Historical records from the 17th century cite another prominent figure, Giovanni Zizzi, a renowned physician from Matera. Giovanni's contributions to early modern medicine earned him recognition not only within his community but also in broader Italian medical circles of the time. His works and treatises on contemporary medical practices are preserved in various libraries, reflecting the scholarly contributions tied to the Zizzi name.

In the 18th century, records in the church archives of Alberobello mention Maria Teresa Zizzi, who was known for her charitable works and establishing several educational institutions for the underprivileged. Her legacy lives on through the foundations she created, illustrating the philanthropic spirit associated with the surname.

By the 19th century, one notable bearer was Francesco Zizzi, a political figure and advocate for Italian unification. His involvement in the Risorgimento movement was well-documented in historical texts, with his speeches and writings contributing to the national discourse on unity and independence. Francesco's dedication to the Italian cause marked a significant chapter in his family's history, highlighting the enduring presence of the Zizzi name in shaping Italy's modern narrative.

Thus, the surname Zizzi showcases a rich tapestry of history, intertwined with regional culture and notable contributions across various fields. The origins and developments of this name reflect the broader sociopolitical and economic transformations within Italy, offering a glimpse into the enduring legacy of those who bore it throughout history.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Zizzi

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

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

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

Reference this page

We spend a lot of resources downloading, cleaning, merging, and formatting the data that is shown on the site.

If you found the data or information on this page useful in your research, please use the tool below to properly cite or reference Name Census as the source. We appreciate your support!