History of your Surname
Get access to Zelk family records.Start a free trial

Zelk Family History

Zelk Name Meaning

Historically, surnames evolved as a way to sort people into groups - by occupation, place of origin, clan affiliation, patronage, parentage, adoption, and even physical characteristics (like red hair). Many of the modern surnames in the dictionary can be traced back to Britain and Ireland.


Similar surnames: Zelek, Zeek, Elk, Zenk, Selk, Delk, Zeck, Zell, Yelk, Welk

Search for a relative to learn more about your family history.

Hint: Try searching for a relative alive in 1940.

Black & white image of a young woman scientist

Where is the Zelk family from?

You can see how Zelk families moved over time by selecting different census years. The Zelk family name was found in the USA between 1880 and 1920. The most Zelk families were found in USA in 1880. In 1880 there were 8 Zelk families living in Michigan. This was about 42% of all the recorded Zelk's in USA. Michigan had the highest population of Zelk families in 1880.
Use census records and voter lists to see where families with the Zelk surname lived. Within census records, you can often find information like name of household members, ages, birthplaces, residences, and occupations.
Mapbox
© Mapbox © OpenStreetMap Improve this map

What did your Zelk ancestors do for a living?

In 1940, Laborer and Maid were the top reported jobs for men and women in the USA named Zelk. 43% of Zelk men worked as a Laborer and 50% of Zelk women worked as a Maid. Some less common occupations for Americans named Zelk were Crane Operator and Housework. .

View Census Data for Zelk | Data not to scale

*We display top occupations by gender to maintain their historical accuracy during times when men and women often performed different jobs.

Top Male Occupations In 1940

  • Laborer
    43%
  • Farm Laborer
    29%
  • Crane Operator
    29%

Top Female Occupations In 1940

  • Maid
    50%
  • Housework
    50%
Black & white image of two construction labourers

What Zelk family records will you find?

Census Records

There are 490 census records available for the last name Zelk. Like a window into their day-to-day life, Zelk census records can tell you where and how your ancestors worked, their level of education, veteran status, and more.

Search US census records for Zelk

Passenger Lists

There are 61 immigration records available for the last name Zelk. Passenger lists are your ticket to knowing when your ancestors arrived in the USA, and how they made the journey - from the ship name to ports of arrival and departure.

View all Zelk immigration records

Draft Cards

There are 79 military records available for the last name Zelk. For the veterans among your Zelk ancestors, military collections provide insights into where and when they served, and even physical descriptions.

View all Zelk military records

You've only scratched the surface of Zelk family history

Discover More

What is the average Zelk lifespan?

Between 1968 and 2003, in the United States, Zelk life expectancy was at its lowest point in 1982, and highest in 1996. The average life expectancy for Zelk in 1968 was 82, and 89 in 2003.

View Social Security Death Index (SSDI) for Zelk

Discover the unique achievements of ancestors in the Zelk family tree

Explore Your Tree

Browse profiles of historical people with the Zelk last name

Search for another surname
Enter last name/surname
Start a 14-Day Free Trial