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

Zunun, 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 Zunun surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Zunun in America

Zunun is the 61745th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Zunun surname appeared 325 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 Zunun.

The history of the last name Zunun

The surname Zunun is believed to have its origins in the Turkic-speaking regions of Central Asia, dating back to the early medieval period. The name likely derived from the old Turkic word “zunun,” which means "deep thinking" or "philosophical." The etymology can be connected to the historical emphasis on wisdom and intellectual pursuits within Turkic cultures.

Zunun first appeared in documented records from the region surrounding present-day Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan. Manuscripts from the 10th and 11th centuries contain references to individuals bearing this surname, often associated with scholarly and judicial roles within their communities. These early references indicate the surname was already being used to denote families of high intellect and social standing.

One of the earliest recorded mentions of the Zunun surname can be found in the works of the famed Persian scholar Al-Biruni, who documented various tribes and their notable figures in the early 11th century. In his "Chronology of Ancient Nations," dated around 1000 CE, a family known as the Zunun is mentioned as influential advisors to regional chieftains.

In the 13th century, a prominent figure named Rasheed Zunun emerged as a notable mathematician and astronomer in the court of the Khwarazmian dynasty. Rashid Zunun was born in 1220 and died in 1280. His contributions to the field of algebra were well-regarded, and some of his works were later translated into Arabic and Persian, further spreading the name's association with scholarly excellence.

During the Timurid Renaissance in the late 14th and early 15th centuries, another famous Zunun appeared. Tahir Zunun, born in 1385 and deceased in 1450, was a renowned poet and historian in Samarkand. His poetic works often alluded to the philosophical meaning of his surname, reflecting his deep engagement with themes of wisdom and introspection.

In the 16th century, Mirza Zunun, who lived from 1510 to 1578, gained fame as an advisor to the Mughal emperor Akbar in India. His diplomatic skills and legal acumen were instrumental in negotiating several important treaties and maintaining the stability of the empire. Mirza Zunun's reputation for balanced judgment was a testament to the connotations of his surname.

Another notable bearer of the Zunun surname was Ahmed Zunun, a historian and chronicler born in 1643 and passed away in 1712. He documented the sociopolitical transformations of his time in the Central Asian steppe, providing valuable insights into the dynamics of power and culture. His works remain a crucial source for understanding the history of that era.

In the early 19th century, Maryam Zunun, born in 1802 and deceased in 1870, became an influential figure in the social reforms of her homeland. Her efforts in advancing women's education and rights were pioneering, and she often referenced the intellectual legacy of her ancestors as inspiration. Maryam Zunun’s contributions laid important groundwork for societal changes that resonated far beyond her lifetime.

The surname Zunun, with its rich historical roots and association with intellect and wisdom, continues to be a symbol of scholarly and social prominence in the regions where it originated.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Zunun

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

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 Zunun 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.

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

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

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