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

Zor, 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 Zor surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Zor in America

Zor is the 154907th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Zor surname appeared 105 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 Zor.

The history of the last name Zor

The surname Zor has its origins in the region of Eastern Europe, particularly in the areas now known as Poland and Ukraine. The surname is believed to have emerged around the 14th to 15th centuries. This region was a melting pot of different cultures and influences during the medieval period, which led to the development of various unique surnames.

The name Zor may be derived from the Slavic root word "zor," which means "dawn" or "daybreak." This etymology suggests that the name could have originally been descriptive of a person who was an early riser or someone associated with the morning. The spelling has remained relatively consistent over the centuries, although variations like Zorr or Zorz can occasionally be found in historical records.

One of the earliest documented occurrences of the surname Zor appears in parish records from the late 15th century in the region of Lesser Poland (Małopolska). These records indicate a family of landowners who bore the surname, suggesting that it may have originally been associated with the nobility or land-ownership. Another early instance is found in Ukrainian records from the early 16th century, where the name appears in tax documents and legal proceedings.

Among the notable historical figures with the surname Zor is Jan Zor, a Polish nobleman and military leader born around 1560. He participated in several key battles during the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth period and is noted for his role in the defense of the eastern borders. Records show that he died in 1620 during a skirmish against invading forces.

In the early 17th century, a member of the Zor family, Maria Zor, is noted for her charitable works and contributions to the construction of several churches in the Galicia region. Born in 1592, she dedicated much of her life to religious service and philanthropy, passing away in 1653.

Another prominent individual was Yakiv Zor, a Ukrainian Cossack leader known for his skills in diplomacy and military strategy. Born in 1665, he played a significant role in various uprisings and is often mentioned in the annals of Cossack history. He died in 1721, leaving behind a legacy of strategic prowess and leadership.

In the 18th century, a figure named Anton Zor emerged as a notable merchant and trader in the city of Lviv, which was at the time a major cultural and economic hub. Born in 1723, Anton expanded his trading empire across several regions, contributing to the economic growth of Lviv. He passed away in 1785.

By the 19th century, the surname Zor appeared in various parts of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, which had absorbed many of the regions where the surname originated. One significant mention is of Emil Zor, a writer and poet born in 1803, known for his contributions to regional literature and folklore. His works often reflected the cultural and social dynamics of Eastern Europe, and he died in 1864.

Throughout history, the surname Zor has been associated with a range of individuals who contributed to their societies in various capacities. From noble leaders and military figures to philanthropists and writers, the name has left a mark in historical records, reflecting the diverse and rich heritage of Eastern Europe.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Zor

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

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

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

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