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

Zreik, 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 Zreik surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Zreik in America

Zreik is the 131379th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Zreik surname appeared 129 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 Zreik.

We can also compare 2010 data for Zreik 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 Zreik

The surname Zreik is thought to have originated from the Levant region, which encompasses countries such as Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, and Palestine. Historical records suggest that it emerged during the Ottoman period, roughly between the 16th and 19th centuries, although its exact origins are difficult to pinpoint. The surname is of Arabic origin, which is indicated by its phonetic components and common roots in Semitic languages.

Zreik is likely derived from the Arabic word "zara’," which means "to sow" or "to cultivate." The suffix "-ik" suggests a diminutive or affectionate form, implying it may have originally meant "little sower" or "descendant of the sower." This etymology hints at an agricultural background, which aligns with the traditional lifestyles in the Levant's rural communities.

The surname appears in a few historical documents and manuscripts, usually in the context of land registries, local governmental records, and tax assessments during the Ottoman Empire. One of the earliest records of the surname Zreik is found in a 17th-century tax registry from Lebanon, which lists a small farming family by that name in the Bekaa Valley, an area known for its fertile lands.

In the 18th and 19th centuries, the name Zreik appears in several Lebanese Maronite Church records, often concerning baptism, marriage, or death. One notable figure is Father Youssef Zreik, born in 1835 and active in the Lebanese Maronite Church. He played a pivotal role in community leadership and was known for his dedication to education and local charitable work until his death in 1892.

Another historical figure bearing the surname is Hanna Zreik, a Lebanese merchant born in 1850, who became prominent for his contributions to the local economy in Beirut during the late 19th century. His business dealings expanded into the international trade networks established by the Lebanese diaspora.

Emile Zreik, born in 1875, was a well-known figure in the early 20th century. He was an intellectual and writer contributing to the Arab Renaissance (Nahda), a cultural movement that sought to revive Arabic literature, science, and culture. His works were widely read and had a significant impact on the literary landscape of the time.

In the realm of arts, Saleh Zreik, born in 1920, was a celebrated Lebanese composer and musician. His compositions were integral to the development of modern Arabic music. He continued to influence the genre until his death in 1983. His legacy includes numerous recordings and performances that are still appreciated today.

Throughout history, the surname Zreik has been associated with various influential figures in religion, commerce, intellectual pursuits, and the arts. These individuals have left a lasting legacy, contributing significantly to their respective fields and enhancing the cultural tapestry of the Levant.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Zreik

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

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

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

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