Zapata
A Spanish surname meaning “boot” or “little boot,” originally likely a nickname or occupational label.
The #1,082 most common surname in the United States (2010 Census) — about 1 in every 9,566 Americans shares it.
Etymology
Spanish zapata means “boot,” and older Spanish sources also use it for a kind of half-boot. The word is ultimately connected with Latin cippata or another Romance boot term in the older scholarly literature, but the safest takeaway is the plain sense “boot.” As a surname, it was probably first applied as a nickname, or possibly to someone associated with making or wearing boots.
History
The name is well established in Spain and later spread widely through the Spanish-speaking world. Historical references in the provided sources mention several Spanish bearers, including members of noble or clerical families, showing that it was in use by the late medieval and early modern periods. It is also prominent in Latin America today, especially in countries with strong Spanish surname traditions.
Origin
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Fun fact
The Spanish word zapata can also refer to a wooden or leather fitting used as a cushion or support, which is one reason the surname has been linked to practical trades or everyday objects.
From the historical record
“is the name of a diamond-cutter in London. Hence no doubt the surname Sleeper. The name Slipper has been connected with the Spanish name Zapata ; and zapdta, zapdto is a kind of half-boot. Mellado gives three Spaniards of the name of Zapata — Antonio Zapata de Cisneros, a cardinal, born at Madrid in 1550 ; Antonio…”
— Ludus Patronymicus; or, the etymology of curious surnames