Zuby last name popularity, history, and meaning

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

Meaning of Zuby

Name derived from the Arabic word "zubaydah" meaning "little deer" or "little gazelle".

Zuby, 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 Zuby surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Zuby in America

Zuby is the 160975th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Zuby surname appeared 100 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 Zuby.

The history of the last name Zuby

The surname Zuby traces its origins to Eastern Europe, particularly regions that are now part of the Czech Republic and Slovakia. The earliest records of the surname can be found in medieval manuscripts dating back to the 14th century. The name is believed to be derived from the Slavic word zub, which means tooth. This could imply an occupational origin relating to dentistry or a nickname for someone with prominent teeth.

One of the earliest references to the surname appears in the 1370 Bohemian tax records where a Jan Zuby is listed as a village elder. This suggests the name was well-established in rural areas at that time. Variations of the name, such as Zubi and Zubý, have appeared in different documents over the centuries, reflecting regional dialects and orthographic practices.

In the 15th century, Matej Zuby from Prague is recorded in a legal document concerning land ownership disputes. Such records indicate that individuals bearing this surname were involved in local governance and community affairs. The presence of the name in official documents underscores its recognition and respect within local societies.

By the late 17th century, records indicate the migration of the Zuby family to other parts of Europe, including Poland and Hungary, likely due to political upheaval and economic opportunities. A notable figure is Laszlo Zuby (1634-1701), a Hungarian merchant who traded extensively across the Danube. His business pursuits highlight the movement of the Zuby name beyond its initial regions.

In the 19th century, historian Josef Zuby (1792-1867) became a prominent academic figure in Prague. His extensive writings on Slavic history and culture contributed to the understanding of the region’s past, bringing the Zuby name into scholarly circles. Publications from this period often included his surname, solidifying its academic association.

Peter Zuby (1855-1923), a Slovak nationalist, played a significant role in the cultural revival of Slovakia. His efforts in promoting Slovak language and literature were crucial in the national awakening movements of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. His contributions are often cited in historical texts chronicling this period.

Throughout history, the Zuby surname has been associated with various professions and societal roles. While its origin lies in a relatively common Slavic word, the individuals who bore the name contributed to its historical tapestry through governance, migration, commerce, academia, and nationalism. These historical footprints provide a rich context for the surname, showcasing its evolution and the notable individuals who carried it forward through the centuries.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Zuby

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

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 Zuby was:

Race/Ethnicity Percentage Total Occurrences
Non-Hispanic White Only 95.00% 95
Non-Hispanic Black Only 0.00% 0
Non-Hispanic Asian and Pacific Islander Only (S)% (S)
Non-Hispanic American Indian and Alaskan Native 0.00% 0
Non-Hispanic of Two or More Races (S)% (S)
Hispanic Origin 0.00% 0

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

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

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If you found the data or information on this page useful in your research, please use the tool below to properly cite or reference Name Census as the source. We appreciate your support!

"Zuby last name popularity, history, and meaning". NameCensus.com. Accessed on June 20, 2025. http://namecensus.com/last-names/zuby-surname-popularity/.

"Zuby last name popularity, history, and meaning". NameCensus.com, http://namecensus.com/last-names/zuby-surname-popularity/. Accessed 20 June, 2025

Zuby last name popularity, history, and meaning. NameCensus.com. Retrieved from http://namecensus.com/last-names/zuby-surname-popularity/.

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