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

Zwack, 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 Zwack surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Zwack in America

Zwack is the 44193rd most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Zwack surname appeared 487 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 Zwack.

We can also compare 2010 data for Zwack 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 Zwack

The surname Zwack traces its origins to Central Europe, specifically the regions that comprise present-day Hungary and Austria. The name's formation can be traced back to the medieval period, possibly around the 14th century. This surname is thought to have a Germanic linguistic root, though its exact etymological pathway remains a subject of some scholarly debate. The area of origin for the surname encompasses regions where German and Hungarian cultural and linguistic influences often intersected.

In terms of linguistic derivation, Zwack may stem from the Middle High German word "zwacken," which means "to pinch" or "to tweak." Such a term might have been used as a nickname that later evolved into a surname, one possibly indicating a characteristic trait or occupation. There are also speculations that it could derive from an older Slavic word, reflecting the region's historical ethnic diversity.

Documentary evidence of the surname appears in various historical records. Early instances can be found in parish registers and local administrative documents. One of the earliest references to the name Zwack is found in 1467 within records of Austrian nobility, highlighting the name's prominence in regional societal structures. The name also appears in tax rolls and letters patent in regions of Hungary by the late 15th century.

One notable figure in history bearing the surname Zwack was József Zwack, born in 1821 and died in 1876. He was a Hungarian merchant and philanthropist known for founding the Zwack company, famous for producing the Unicum herbal liqueur. This business has remained synonymous with the surname in Hungary and around the world.

Another significant individual was Ladislaus Zwack, born in 1850 and died in 1924, who was instrumental in the industrial developments of Pest, contributing to both local economic growth and urban modernization efforts.

In more recent centuries, the Zwack family name continued its notable lineage with Béla Zwack, born in 1895 and died in 1969, a notable figure in the European liqueur industry after World War II, known for reviving the family's business in a turbulent post-war economy.

Evelin Zwack, born in 1929 and passing away in 2008, was an influential figure in Hungarian cultural circles. As a scholar and writer, she contributed significantly to the preservation of Hungarian folklore and traditions, ensuring the cultural heritage associated with the name lived on.

Another important personality bearing the Zwack surname is Péter Zwack, born in 1927 and passed away in 2012. He served as the Hungarian Ambassador to the United States from 1990 to 1991, representing his country during a crucial period of Hungary's transition from communism to democracy.

The surname Zwack spans centuries and continents, bridging cultural and historical divides while remaining rooted in its central European origins. This lineage is marked by contributions to commerce, culture, and public life, affirming the enduring legacy of the family name.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Zwack

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

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

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

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