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

Zotos, 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 Zotos surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Zotos in America

Zotos is the 80419th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Zotos surname appeared 236 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 Zotos.

We can also compare 2010 data for Zotos 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 Zotos

The surname Zotos originated in Greece, an ancient country with a rich tapestry of history and culture. The name is thought to have its roots during the Byzantine era, approximately between the 10th and 15th centuries, though it likely originated earlier. The areas where the name was commonly found include Thessaly, Epirus, and the island of Crete. It is derived from the Greek word "Ζωτός," which means "braided" or "knot." This could have been associated with professions or attributes involving intricate works or designs.

The earliest recorded example of the surname dates back to a Byzantine manuscript from the 12th century, in which a nobleman by the name of Leon Zotos was mentioned in a legal document concerning land ownership in Thessaloniki. Leon Zotos was noted for his contributions to local politics and his extensive work in agricultural development. His family name indicated a lineage known for perseverance and resourcefulness.

One of the most notable figures with this surname was Mikhael Zotos, born in 1452 in Epirus. His artistic talents were recognized in the Renaissance period, and he was known for his detailed frescoes in several monasteries throughout Greece. Mikhael passed away in 1510, leaving behind a legacy of religious and historical artworks.

Another distinguished individual was Ioannis Zotos, a naval commander born in 1704 on the island of Crete. He played a significant role in several maritime battles against Ottoman forces during the Greek War of Independence. Ioannis Zotos's expertise and leadership significantly contributed to the success of numerous naval operations, and he passed away in 1783 as a celebrated war hero.

In the 19th century, Konstantinos Zotos, born in 1829 in Thessaly, emerged as a prominent figure. He was a noted philologist and historian who dedicated his life to studying Greek antiquity and the Byzantine period. His research and published works have been critical references for understanding the history and development of Greek language and culture. Konstantinos Zotos died in 1905, leaving an indelible mark on the academic community.

In the realm of literature, Eleni Zotos, born in 1901, gained fame as a poet and novelist in the early 20th century. Her works often encapsulated the struggles and aspirations of modern Greece, earning her numerous accolades. Eleni's poetry and novels have been translated into several languages, reaching a global audience. She continued to write prolifically until her death in 1967.

Lastly, Demetrios Zotos, an influential Olympian born in 1898 in Athens, became widely recognized for his prowess in modern pentathlon during the 1920s. He competed in the 1924 and 1928 Summer Olympics, showcasing extraordinary athletic abilities. Demetrios Zotos not only contributed to the revival of Greek sporting traditions but also inspired future generations of athletes before his passing in 1953.

Throughout history, the surname Zotos has been carried by individuals who have made significant contributions to their respective fields and communities, reflecting a rich heritage and enduring legacy.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Zotos

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

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

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

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