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

Zonts, 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 Zonts surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Zonts in America

Zonts is the 147253rd most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Zonts surname appeared 112 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 Zonts.

The history of the last name Zonts

The surname Zonts has origins that can be traced back to Central Europe, specifically within regions that are now part of modern-day Germany and Austria. It is believed that the name first appeared during the late Middle Ages, around the 13th or 14th century. This time period saw a flourishing of trading communities and a burgeoning use of surnames as a way to identify individuals beyond their given names.

The name Zonts is thought to be derived from an older Germanic word or possibly from a regional dialect that denoted a specific characteristic or occupation. One prevailing theory suggests that it may have connections to the term "Sontag" or "Zontag," which means "Sunday" in German, indicating that an ancestor might have been named for or associated with the Sabbath day. Alternatively, it could have roots in the word "zunft," which means "guild" in German, hinting at a professional or craft association.

Historical records show that the surname Zonts has appeared in various forms throughout history. In some medieval manuscripts, such as town registers and tax records from the 14th and 15th centuries, variations like Zontz, Zontze, and Zuntz have been noted. Such records often point to individuals who were part of local guilds, indicating a family involved in skilled trades or mercantile activities.

The earliest recorded instance of the name Zonts dates back to 1362 in the Bavarian region, where a Hans Zonts is listed as a guild member of the blacksmiths in the town of Regensburg. His inclusion in these records suggests a prominent role within the local community.

Another notable figure bearing the surname was Heinrich Zonts, born in 1428 in the vicinity of Salzburg. Heinrich was known for his contributions to the architectural landscape of the region, particularly in the construction of prominent town buildings and fortifications. His work earned him a reputable standing as a master builder by the time of his death in 1489.

In the late 16th century, a Johann Zontz (1524–1596) emerged as a significant figure in the literary scene of Vienna. Johann was a well-regarded poet and scribe, whose works often highlighted the cultural and social dynamics of his era. His surviving manuscripts provide an invaluable glimpse into Renaissance life and thought.

The Zonts family name also appeared in the context of early modern Europe, with Anna Zunts (1565–1622) being documented as a midwife and healer in the Tyrolean Alps. Her records reveal a lineage of traditional folk medicine practitioners, a role that further cemented the surname's association with communal professions and services.

In the 18th century, the name gained some renown through Friedrich Zontz (1701–1774), a renowned violin maker from Munich whose finely crafted instruments were highly sought after by musicians across Europe. Friedrich's legacy continued through his apprentices, making the Zontz name synonymous with quality and craftsmanship in musical circles.

These historical footnotes, from guild memberships and architectural achievements to literary contributions and craftsmanship, underscore the rich heritage and varied associations of the surname Zonts, painting a picture of a family name deeply woven into the social fabric of its time.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Zonts

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

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 Zonts 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.

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

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

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