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

Zoll, 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 Zoll surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Zoll in America

Zoll is the 20029th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Zoll surname appeared 1,336 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 Zoll.

We can also compare 2010 data for Zoll 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 Zoll

The surname Zoll has its origins in Germany, dating back several centuries. It is primarily associated with regions in the southern part of the country, particularly in areas such as Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg. The name Zoll is derived from the Middle High German word "zol," which means "toll" or "duty." This indicates that the surname was likely occupational in origin, referring to those who worked as toll collectors or officials responsible for collecting customs duties.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the surname Zoll can be traced to the 13th century. Historical records from that period reference individuals who were involved in trade and the collection of tolls along major trade routes in medieval Germany. For example, a document from 1294 mentions a Johan Zoll, a toll collector in the service of the Bishop of Würzburg. This positions the surname within a specific historical and occupational context, linking it directly to the economic infrastructure of medieval Central Europe.

Further notable instances of the surname Zoll appear in various legal and administrative documents. In the 15th century, the name is mentioned in the records of the Free Imperial City of Nuremberg. A Wilhelm Zoll is recorded as serving on the city council in 1478. His involvement in local governance highlights the family's established presence and influence in the region.

In the 16th century, the Zoll family continued to be associated with public service and administration. Conrad Zoll was a notable figure born in 1523 who served as a customs officer along the Danube River. He played a crucial role in monitoring and regulating trade, which was a vital part of the local economy. His work ensured the accurate collection of duties, contributing to the wealth and stability of the region.

Moving forward to the 18th century, the name appears in historical documents related to migration patterns. Johannes Zoll, born in 1712, emigrated from Germany to Pennsylvania in 1737, reflecting the broader movement of German settlers to North America during that period. His journey and settlement in the New World underscore the spread of the surname beyond its European roots.

The 19th century saw the name Zoll becoming more prominent in academic and cultural circles. An example is Friedrich Zoll, a distinguished German botanist born in 1794. He made significant contributions to the study of plant species in Southeast Asia, particularly in the Dutch East Indies, where he conducted extensive research and cataloging.

By tracing the historical trajectory of the surname Zoll through these various instances, it is evident that the name is deeply rooted in the socio-economic and cultural fabric of Germany. The consistent involvement of individuals bearing the surname in public and economic affairs across centuries showcases the enduring legacy and influence of the Zoll family.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Zoll

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

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

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

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