Find out how popular the last name Zurface is in the United States and learn more about the meaning, history, and race and ethnic origin of people in America who are named Zurface.
A variant spelling of the German surname Zurface, possibly originating as a toponymic name.
Zurface, 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 Zurface surname is from the 2000 census data.
Zurface is the 137816th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.
The Zurface surname appeared 112 times in the 2000 census and if you were to sample 100,000 people in the United States, approximately 0 people would have the surname Zurface.
The surname Zurface is relatively rare and appears to be of English origin. The name can be traced back to England during the late medieval period, around the 15th or 16th century. The areas where the surname Zurface first originated are not particularly well-documented, but historical records suggest it may have emerged in the southwestern counties of England. The name's unique spelling and phonetic construction provide few direct linguistic clues, leading to some speculation about its roots.
The surname Zurface may derive from an older occupational or toponymic term. One theory suggests it is related to surface workers, individuals who worked with the outermost layer of materials or land, a term sometimes used for masons or road workers. Though this connection is not definitive, it aligns with the idea that many surnames from this period are occupational in nature. Another possibility is that the name evolved from an existing surname with a similar sound or spelling, perhaps influenced by regional dialects and the phonetic evolution of the English language.
Historical references to Zurface are scarce but revealing. An early occurrence of the name appears in a parish record from 1533, where a William Zurface is mentioned. This individual was noted in St. Giles Parish in Somerset. Another early mention is found in a land deed from 1575 that lists a Thomas Zurface as a landowner in Devon. These instances suggest that the name was present and established in southwestern England by the 16th century.
One of the earliest recorded examples of the surname in official documents is the case of John Zurface, born in 1582, who appears in the tax records of Cornwall. He was a noted figure in his local community, involved in both agriculture and local governance. Another significant historical figure bearing this surname was Eleanor Zurface, born in 1619 and known for her involvement in various charitable endeavors in Bristol. Her work in establishing local schools and hospitals was well-documented, making her a prominent local figure.
Throughout history, the surname Zurface continued to appear in regional records but without widespread prominence. Jane Zurface, born in 1675, was a well-known midwife in Somerset. Her contributions to maternal and infant health were notable in her community, and she was often called upon for her expertise. Additionally, Richard Zurface, born in 1720, served as a local magistrate in Devon, gaining recognition for his fair judgments and contributions to legal reforms in the area.
By the late 18th century, the surname begins to appear in records outside of southwestern England, suggesting some migration. Joseph Zurface, born in 1765, moved to London and became involved in mercantile activities, marking the name’s expansion beyond its original locales. His descendants continued to be involved in trade and commerce, further cementing the Zurface name's presence in urban centers.
In these historical contexts, the surname Zurface reflects a lineage of individuals involved in various occupations and community roles, contributing to the societal fabric of their times. Though relatively rare and not widely documented in significant historical events, the name carries a distinct heritage tied to southwestern England and its evolving communities.
We also have some data on the ancestry of people with the surname Zurface.
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:
For the most recent 2000 census data, the race/ethnic origin breakdown for Zurface was:
| Race/Ethnicity | Percentage | Total Occurrences |
|---|---|---|
| Non-Hispanic White Only | 96.43% | 108 |
| Non-Hispanic Black Only | (S)% | (S) |
| 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 | 0.00% | 0 |
| Hispanic Origin | (S)% | (S) |
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.
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 Zurface was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.
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