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

Zorrilla, 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 Zorrilla surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Zorrilla in America

Zorrilla is the 15712th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Zorrilla surname appeared 1,856 times in the 2010 census and if you were to sample 100,000 people in the United States, approximately 1 people would have the surname Zorrilla.

We can also compare 2010 data for Zorrilla 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 Zorrilla

The surname Zorrilla is of Spanish origin, with its roots extending back to the Iberian Peninsula. The name is believed to have originated in the medieval period, particularly in regions such as Castile and León, which were significant historical areas during the Reconquista.

The etymology of Zorrilla is linked to the Spanish word zorra, meaning "fox." The diminutive suffix illa implies a smaller or affectionate version, suggesting a meaning akin to "little fox" or "cunning one." This nomenclature likely arose from certain traits attributed to the individuals or families carrying the name, such as cleverness or guile.

Historical references to the surname Zorrilla can be traced back to various records and manuscripts from medieval Spain. One of the early mentions of the name appears in the "Confederation of Nobles" of Castile, although concrete documentation from these times is sparse and often incomplete.

One of the earliest recorded bearers of the name is Francisco Zorrilla, who was noted in municipal records of Valladolid in the 16th century. Another historical figure is Pedro Zorrilla, documented as a nobleman and military figure active in the late 15th century, particularly in the battles against the Moorish forces.

José Zorrilla y Moral (1817-1893) is arguably the most famous bearer of the surname. Born in Valladolid, he was a renowned Spanish Romantic poet and dramatist, best known for his play Don Juan Tenorio, which has become a crucial part of Spanish literary heritage. His works have been celebrated for their contribution to Spanish literature and culture.

Another notable individual is the 19th-century botanist and naturalist, Manuel Zorrilla, who made significant contributions to the study of Iberian flora. His research and writings remain referenced in the field of botany.

The surname also appears in political history. Antonio Zorrilla served as a prominent political figure in early 20th-century Spain, holding various governmental posts. Born in 1867, he was recognized for his involvement in Spanish political reforms and development projects until his death in 1946.

Additionally, historian Pablo Zorrilla is known for his extensive research and publications on medieval Spanish history. His academic contributions have provided deeper insights into the sociopolitical dynamics of medieval Spain.

The Zorrilla surname carries with it a rich historical tapestry, intertwined with Spain's cultural, military, and academic evolution through the centuries. While it may not be as commonly encountered today, the legacy of those who bore the name continues to be felt in various fields of Spanish heritage.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Zorrilla

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

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

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

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