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

Zolfaghari, 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 Zolfaghari surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Zolfaghari in America

Zolfaghari is the 85659th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Zolfaghari surname appeared 218 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 Zolfaghari.

We can also compare 2010 data for Zolfaghari 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 Zolfaghari

The surname Zolfaghari has its origins in Persia, which is modern-day Iran, dating back to ancient times. The name is derived from the Persian word "Zulf", which means "curl" or "lock of hair", and "Aqar", which connotes "rear" or "holding". Together, Zolfaghari can be interpreted as "holder of curls" or "one with curly hair". The name also has religious and cultural significance, as it is associated with Zulfiqar, the legendary sword of Ali, the first Imam of Shia Islam. This connection imbues the surname with a sense of nobility and valor.

The surname Zolfaghari is especially prevalent in regions of Iran, particularly in areas with a strong historical presence of Persian culture and leadership. Old Persian texts and manuscripts occasionally reference families or individuals bearing the name Zolfaghari, illustrating its rootedness in Persian heritage. One such example can be found in records from the Safavid dynasty period, where the name appears in military rosters, indicating a lineage of warriors and leaders.

Historical documents first recorded the name Zolfaghari in the 16th century. In the annals of Persian military history, a commander named Hussain Ali Zolfaghari served under Shah Abbas I, born in 1571 and died in 1629. His role in the expansion and defense of the Safavid Empire exemplified the valor associated with the name.

Another notable individual was Mohammad-Taqi Khan Zolfaghari, a prominent figure in the late Qajar era. Born in 1811 and deceased in 1879, he was known for his contributions to Persian literature and his role in various diplomatic missions. His exploits and writings continue to inspire Persian scholars.

In the 20th century, Ali Zolfaghari became a key political figure during the constitutional revolution in Iran. Born in 1887 and passing away in 1952, his efforts in advocating for democratic reforms and modernization were significant in shaping modern Iranian society.

The name also finds its presence in the arts. The renowned painter Leila Zolfaghari, born in 1947, has made substantial contributions to contemporary Persian art. Her works, which often reflect the intricate patterns and rich cultural tableau of Persia, have been displayed in international galleries.

Another significant figure includes General Reza Zolfaghari, who served in the Iranian army during the early 20th century. Born in 1901 and died in 1970, his military strategies and reforms contributed to the modernization efforts of Iran's armed forces at the time.

The surname Zolfaghari, with its deep historical and cultural underpinnings, reflects the richness of Persian heritage and its enduring legacy in various spheres of Iranian society. The name continues to be a symbol of nobility, bravery, and cultural pride among those who bear it.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Zolfaghari

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

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

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

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