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

Zumbrunnen, 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 Zumbrunnen surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Zumbrunnen in America

Zumbrunnen is the 59171st most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Zumbrunnen surname appeared 342 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 Zumbrunnen.

We can also compare 2010 data for Zumbrunnen 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 Zumbrunnen

The surname Zumbrunnen originates from Switzerland, specifically from the canton of Bern. The name has its roots in the Middle High German language, deriving from the words "zum" meaning "to the" or "at the" and "Brunnen" meaning "well" or "spring." Thus, Zumbrunnen can be translated to "at the well" or "by the spring." This surname likely began as a toponymic name, which indicated that the original bearers lived near a significant water source, a communal well, or a spring.

Zumbrunnen first appears in historical records during the medieval period. The earliest documented mention of the name dates back to the 13th century in various ecclesiastical and civic records in Bern. In one notable record from 1296, a Heinricus de Brunnun is mentioned in the context of a land transaction, indicating the presence of the surname in Bernese legal documents of the time. It's important to note that the spellings of surnames were not standardized until much later, so variations such as Zumbro and Bronnen appear in older texts.

The family name Zumbrunnen also appears in tax records and land deeds in the 14th and 15th centuries, indicating that bearers of this name were involved in the local economy and held landholdings. In these records, the name was often associated with farmers, millers, and tradespeople who lived near prominent wells or springs, which were crucial for agricultural and daily life.

One of the earliest notable individuals with the surname was Hans Zumbrunnen, born in 1440 and who passed away in 1510. He was a prominent landowner in the Bernese Oberland. According to local chronicles, he was actively involved in the local council and contributed significantly to the community’s infrastructure, including the maintenance of wells and public water sources.

During the 16th century, another significant figure was Jakob Zumbrunnen, born in 1523 and died in 1590. He served as a local magistrate and was known for his fair judgments and dedication to improving public amenities such as access to clean water. His efforts were documented in the city’s historical annals and illustrate the longstanding connection between the surname and community welfare.

In the 18th century, Johann Zumbrunnen, born in 1698 and died in 1754, became known for his written works on the local lore and traditions of Bern. His manuscripts provide valuable insights into the social and environmental history of the region, specifically focusing on the use of natural springs and wells. His contributions are preserved in the Bernese archives and are still referenced by historians today.

By the 19th century, the name Zumbrunnen had spread beyond the borders of Switzerland, with some individuals emigrating to other parts of Europe and even North America. One such emigrant was Friedrich Zumbrunnen, born in 1825. He moved to the United States in 1850 and became a prominent figure in his community of Swiss immigrants in Wisconsin. His letters and records, housed in a Wisconsin historical society, offer a glimpse into the life of Swiss-Americans during this period.

In summary, the surname Zumbrunnen has a rich history tied closely to the geography and social structures of medieval and early modern Switzerland. Its bearers have been noted throughout history for their involvement in local governance, community welfare, and the maintenance of essential resources. The name itself remains a testament to the deep-rooted connection between the people of Bern and their natural environment.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Zumbrunnen

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

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

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

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