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

Zolla, 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 Zolla surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Zolla in America

Zolla is the 79338th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Zolla surname appeared 240 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 Zolla.

We can also compare 2010 data for Zolla 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 Zolla

The surname Zolla finds its origins in Italy, most likely appearing during the medieval period. It is believed to have originated from the northern regions of Italy, particularly around areas like Lombardy and Veneto. The name Zolla is derived from the Italian word "zolla," which means "clod" or "lump of earth." This etymological root suggests an agricultural connection, perhaps indicating that the family originally associated with this surname was involved in farming or land cultivation.

The earliest references to the surname Zolla appear in various Italian church records and legal documents from the 14th and 15th centuries. These documents often include mentions of land transactions and tax records, indicating that the Zolla family was likely involved in the ownership and management of rural properties. The spelling of the surname has remained relatively consistent over time, which is somewhat unusual compared to other surnames that often evolved through variations.

One of the earliest recorded individuals with the surname Zolla is Giovanni Zolla, a landowner in the region of Lombardy who appears in a legal document dated 1423. His name is mentioned in connection with the purchase of a vineyard, emphasizing the agricultural ties of the family. Another notable figure is Maria Zolla, recorded in 1567, who was involved in a legal dispute over inheritance rights in the Veneto region. This indicates that the family not only managed significant agricultural resources but was also considered prominent enough to be involved in legal matters.

The name Zolla has also appeared in literary and intellectual circles. Cesare Zolla (1809-1883) was a renowned Italian professor and writer, known for his contributions to literature and education in the 19th century. His works often focused on Italian culture and heritage, further cementing the prominence of the Zolla surname in intellectual pursuits.

In the realm of science, Giuseppe Zolla (1831-1891) made his mark as a respected botanist and agronomist. His research and writings contributed significantly to the understanding of Italy’s native plant species, and his work underscored the agricultural legacy suggested by the meaning of the surname. Giuseppe’s studies were particularly influential in the development of sustainable farming practices during his time.

The name also appears among artistic circles, with Attilio Zolla (1860-1934) gaining recognition as a painter and sculptor. His artworks often depicted rural Italian landscapes and everyday scenes, capturing the essence of the Italian countryside that aligns with the surname's agricultural roots. Attilio’s contributions to the world of art have been celebrated in various Italian galleries and exhibitions.

The surname also has a modern cultural presence, most notably through Elémire Zolla (1926-2002), an Italian essayist, philosopher, and historian of religion. Elémire’s extensive writings on mysticism, comparative religion, and literature have left a lasting impact on these academic fields. His works continue to be studied for their depth and insight into human spirituality and cultural traditions.

Throughout history, the surname Zolla has been associated with land, agriculture, intellectual pursuits, and cultural contributions. Its consistent appearance in historical records signifies a family that has maintained its presence and influence over centuries, particularly in the regions of Lombardy and Veneto. As a surname derived from the simple word for "clod of earth," Zolla encapsulates a rich legacy of connection to the land and intellectual heritage.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Zolla

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

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

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

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