Origin & Meaning of the Zavala Surname
What does the last name Zavala mean?
The surname Zavala 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 51,153 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Zavala ranks as the #667 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Zavala come from?
The Zavala 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 Zavala name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Zavala 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 | Zavala |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Family name of Hispanic/Latino origin |
| Origin | Spanish |
| Language | Spanish |
| US Rank (2010) | #667 |
| US Count (2010) | 51,153 |
| Per 100K People | 17.34 |
| First Letter | Z |
Ethnic Distribution of Zavala
According to the US Census, the Zavala surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 51,153 Americans with the Zavala last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 3.29% |
| Black | 0.2% |
| Hispanic | 96.13% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.18% |
| Native American | 0.09% |
| Two or More Races | 0.12% |
Popularity of Zavala Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Zavala surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Zavala surname increased by 17,085 between 2000 and 2010.
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Similar Surnames to Zavala
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Zavala.
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 Zavala.
Frequently Asked Questions About Zavala
Top Surnames Starting with Z
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter Z, ranked by population.
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