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

Zwart, 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 Zwart surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Zwart in America

Zwart is the 21940th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Zwart surname appeared 1,183 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 Zwart.

We can also compare 2010 data for Zwart 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 Zwart

The surname Zwart is of Dutch origin, deriving from the Middle Dutch word "swart," which means "black." The name likely began to appear in the Netherlands during the late medieval period, specifically around the 14th and 15th centuries. It was used as a descriptive surname, often denoting someone with dark hair or a dark complexion.

Zwart is prominently from regions that speak Dutch, including the modern-day Netherlands and parts of Belgium. Early records from these areas often show variations in the spelling of the name, such as Swart, Swarte, and Schwarz in neighboring German regions. As with many surnames of occupational or descriptive origin, Zwart would be one among many similar surnames based on physical characteristics.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the surname Zwart appears in city registers and church records from the provinces of North Holland and South Holland. For example, Dirk Zwart was recorded in guild records in Amsterdam in 1473. Records indicate that these surnames were becoming hereditary around this time, reflecting the societal changes of the late medieval period.

A historical reference to the name includes Cornelis Zwart, a noted mariner from Rotterdam who lived from 1595 to 1652. His voyages contributed to the Dutch Golden Age of exploration and commerce. The Zwart family name also appears in the archives of the Dutch East India Company, illustrating its holders' involvement in trade and colonial activities during the 17th and 18th centuries.

Further back in history, a Jacob Zwart is mentioned in the 1550s as an artisan working in Utrecht, noted for his craftsmanship in metalwork. Another notable figure is Willem Zwart, who lived from 1690 to 1763 and was an influential preacher in Friesland, contributing to the religious and cultural fabric of the time.

In addition to Dirk and Willem, Sara Zwart, born in 1723 and known for her detailed journals, offers glimpses into the daily life and regional activities in Zeeland, providing valuable historical records. Jan Zwart, the 19th-century composer born in 1877 and died in 1937, was renowned for his contributions to Dutch church music, leaving behind a legacy in the realm of classical organ compositions.

Finally, Hendrik Zwart, a prominent figure in Groningen during the late 18th century, was involved in local politics and land management. Records indicate he was instrumental in various agricultural reforms and community projects from 1770 to 1825.

The surname Zwart has a rich history tied to the cultural and socio-economic developments of the Dutch-speaking regions over several centuries. From explorers and artisans to composers and local officials, individuals bearing the surname have made notable contributions to their communities and beyond.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Zwart

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

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

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

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