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

Zwink, 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 Zwink surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Zwink in America

Zwink is the 138304th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Zwink surname appeared 121 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 Zwink.

We can also compare 2010 data for Zwink 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 Zwink

The surname Zwink is of German origin and is most commonly found in regions such as Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg. Tracing its roots back to medieval Germany, the name is believed to have evolved during the High Middle Ages, around the 12th or 13th century. It likely originates from a nickname or a characteristic trait, as was common in Germanic naming conventions. The name Zwink could be related to the Middle High German word "zwinken," which means "to wink" or "to blink," possibly describing someone with a distinct facial expression or habit.

Historical references to the name Zwink are sparse but traceable in various records and local chronicles. One of the earliest known instances of the surname appears in the Bavarian tax records of the early 16th century. A Hans Zwink is documented as a taxpayer in the region of Schwaben (Swabia) in 1515. This provides a glimpse into the locality and social status of the early bearers of the name.

In the 17th century, another notable person with the surname Zwink emerges in historical documents. Johann Zwink, a master blacksmith from the town of Füssen, is mentioned in guild records dated 1678. Füssen, known for its craftsmanship and trades, played a significant role in the livelihoods of many individuals bearing the surname.

The Zwink surname also appears in religious contexts. In 1742, Maria Zwink is recorded as a nun in the convent of St. Gallen in Switzerland. This indicates the spread of the surname beyond Germany into neighboring regions, influenced by the socio-political landscapes of the Holy Roman Empire.

Moving into the 19th century, another prominent figure is Josef Zwink, born in 1835, who served as a local councilor in the Bavarian town of Oberammergau. His contributions to local governance and community development were well-documented in town records from that era, showcasing the continuity of the surname in public service.

One of the most famous individuals bearing the surname is Michael Zwink, born in 1885. He was an acclaimed woodcarver and artist associated with the traditional crafts of the Bavarian region. His works, characterized by intricate designs and historical motifs, have been preserved in various museums and private collections.

Through the centuries, the surname Zwink captures a lineage marked by craftsmanship, civic duty, and regional specificity. The transitions in its historical appearances—from tax records and guild memberships to religious contexts and artistic endeavors—illustrate the dynamic roles and adaptive nature of those who carried this name. Each individual mentioned contributes to the rich tapestry of the Zwink surname, embedding it in the annals of German and broader European heritage.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Zwink

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

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

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

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