Origin & Meaning of the Zapata Surname
What does the last name Zapata mean?
The surname Zapata carries the meaning "Family name of Hispanic/Latino origin." It is derived from the Spanish language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 32,274 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Zapata ranks as the #1,082 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Zapata come from?
The Zapata surname has its roots in Spanish heritage. Names of Spanish origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Zapata name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Zapata trace back to Spanish. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Zapata |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Family name of Hispanic/Latino origin |
| Origin | Spanish |
| Language | Spanish |
| US Rank (2010) | #1,082 |
| US Count (2010) | 32,274 |
| Per 100K People | 10.94 |
| First Letter | Z |
Ethnic Distribution of Zapata
According to the US Census, the Zapata surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 32,274 Americans with the Zapata last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 5.8% |
| Black | 0.41% |
| Hispanic | 92.28% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 1.15% |
| Native American | 0.12% |
| Two or More Races | 0.24% |
Popularity of Zapata Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Zapata surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Zapata surname increased by 8,374 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Zapata Ancestry
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The Complete Story of the Zapata Family
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- ✓ The Zapata coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
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- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
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Similar Surnames to Zapata
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Zapata.
Other Spanish Surnames
Explore more surnames with Spanish roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same Spanish origin as Zapata.
Frequently Asked Questions About Zapata
Top Surnames Starting with Z
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter Z, ranked by population.
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