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

Zorza, 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 Zorza surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Zorza in America

Zorza is the 145220th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Zorza surname appeared 114 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 Zorza.

We can also compare 2010 data for Zorza 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 Zorza

The surname Zorza has its origins in Eastern Europe, with strong historical ties to Poland and the surrounding regions. It is likely derived from the Polish word "zorz," meaning "dawn," which reflects an old Slavic root. Given this etymological background, the name may have originally referred to someone who lived by a place named for its beautiful sunrises or had a bright, lively personality.

The earliest references to the name Zorza can be traced back to medieval Poland, a region rich in history that was often documented by nobles and peasants alike. One of the earliest recorded examples appears in 14th-century Polish documents, where a man named Jakub Zorza appears as a landowner in the Masovian Voivodeship. This region, known for its fertile land and strategic significance, was often the setting for early uses of the name.

Historical records frequently mentioned the Zorza family in relation to their involvement in local politics and land disputes. For instance, Tomasz Zorza (born 1501, died 1564) held a significant position as a local magistrate in Kraków, reflecting the family's social standing during the Renaissance period. Documentations from the period show Tomasz as a signatory on several important decrees and legal documents.

The 17th century brought forth another notable figure bearing the surname. Krystyna Zorza (1612-1678) was known for her literary contributions in a time when female authors were scarce. Her works often reflected the social struggles and cultural shifts within Poland, effectively contributing to the nation's rich literary tradition. Krystyna’s manuscripts, housed in the Jagiellonian Library, remain an insightful source for historians studying the era.

The surname Zorza is also attached to the world of art, epitomized by Andrzej Zorza (1694-1755), an accomplished painter whose works adorned many churches and royal estates. His baroque style captured the artistic spirit of 18th-century Poland, making his surname well-known among art historians and European nobility alike.

During the late 19th century, political upheavals and migrations saw the Zorza name spread beyond Poland. One notable émigré was Stanisław Zorza (born 1830, died 1910), who settled in the United States and became a prominent figure in Chicago's Polish community, advocating for immigrant rights and better living conditions.

The geographical spread and varying occupations of those bearing the surname Zorza reflect a rich tapestry of cultural and socio-political contributions over centuries. From landholders and magistrates in medieval Poland to influential authors, artists, and activists, the Zorza name is entwined with the historical narrative of Eastern Europe and beyond. Each figure left an indelible mark on their respective fields, ensuring the enduring legacy of the Zorza surname through the annals of history.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Zorza

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

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

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

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