Explore the Family Name Zabala

The meaning of Zabala

Basque: habitational name from any of various places called Zabala, in Biscay and Araba/Álava provinces (Basque Country, Spain), named with Basque zabal ‘large, broad’ + the definite article -a. In some cases the surname may have arisen as a nickname from the same word. Compare Sabala, Savala, and Zavala. Some characteristic forenames: Spanish Luis, Carlos, Jaime, Jose, Juan, Manuel, Angel, Efrain, Julio, Pedro, Salvador, Alba.

Dictionary of American Family Names, 2nd edition, © Oxford University Press, 2022.

How common is the last name Zabala in the United States?

Based on the Decennial U.S. Census, the surname Zabala has grown in popularity from 2000 to 2010. In 2000, it was ranked as the 8650th most common surname, but by 2010, it had moved up to the 7637th spot, reflecting an increase of 11.71%. The number of individuals with this surname also increased during this period, with a count of 3498 in 2000 and a rise to 4348 in 2010, marking a substantial growth of 24.3%. The proportion of people with the surname Zabala per 100k also saw a positive change, showing a growth of 13.08%.

20002010Change
Rank#8,650#7,63711.71%
Count3,4984,34824.3%
Proportion per 100k1.31.4713.08%

Race and Ethnicity of people with the last name Zabala

When it comes to ethnic identity associated with the surname Zabala, the Decennial U.S. Census data shows some interesting shifts between 2000 and 2010. The largest group identifying with this surname are those of Hispanic ethnicity, which increased from 72.04% in 2000 to 75.00% in 2010. Meanwhile, the percentage of Asian/Pacific Islanders remained relatively stable, slightly decreasing from 13.18% to 13.16%. The White population with this surname decreased from 12.49% to 10.03%, while the groups identifying as Two or more races, Black, and American Indian and Alaskan Native also experienced decreases in the same period.

20002010Change
Hispanic72.04%75%4.11%
Asian/Pacific Islander13.18%13.16%-0.15%
White12.49%10.03%-19.7%
Two or More Races1.43%1.17%-18.18%
Black0.57%0.46%-19.3%
American Indian and Alaskan Native0.29%0.18%-37.93%