Last Name Zebina

The surname Zebina is of Hebrew origin. It is derived from the Hebrew given name "Zevahya" or "Tzivahya," which means "God is a hunter" or "God is a seer." This name was often shortened and adapted into various forms in different languages, with Zebina being one of them. Notable persons bearing this surname include the American actor George T. Zebina (1872-1936) and English artist Thomas Joseph Zébina (born 1954).

Learn more about the origin of the last name Zebina

The meaning and origin of the last name Zebina

The surname Zebina is believed to have originated from various regions including Spain, Italy, and North Africa. It is thought to be derived from the Hebrew name "Zebina" or "Zebedee," which means "gift" in Arabic. In ancient times, this name was associated with a figure mentioned in the New Testament of the Bible, one of the brothers of Jesus Christ. Over time, the spelling and pronunciation of the surname have varied, with forms such as Zabina, Zebein, and Zebina being common. The name is relatively rare today but has been found among Sephardic Jewish families in Spain, Portugal, and North Africa before their expulsion during the Inquisition. It also appears in Italian records, suggesting an ancient Roman or Byzantine origin in some cases. Despite its rarity, the surname Zebina carries a rich historical and cultural background.

Geographical distribution of the last name Zebina

The surname Zebina exhibits a predominantly Middle Eastern distribution, particularly in countries such as Algeria, Tunisia, Morocco, and Libya where it is most frequently found among the Arabic-speaking populations. It is also present in smaller numbers in other North African countries like Egypt and Lebanon. Beyond the Maghreb region, Zebina can be traced to parts of France, due to historical migration patterns from the colonies. The name is less common in other regions worldwide but has been found sparsely among Arabic diaspora communities in various countries, such as Canada, the United States, and Australia.

Variants and spellings of the last name Zebina

The surname Zebina can be found with various spelling variations due to differences in transcription, translation, and regional dialects over time. Some possible variations include: Zebeena, Zibina, Zebinah, Zabina, and Zebeenah. These variations may also appear with slight changes in the spelling of vowels or consonants, such as Zebena, Zibeena, or Zibiena. Additionally, it is important to note that this name could have originated from different ethnic backgrounds or languages, leading to further variations. In some cases, it may also be found under slightly altered forms, such as Zebeene or Zebynah, depending on the region and time period of origin. These spelling variations reflect the rich diversity of human history and the evolution of personal names over centuries.

Famous people with the last name Zebina

Among individuals bearing the surname Zebina, one of the most notable figures is Troy Zebina, an American professional footballer who played as a defensive back for several teams in the National Football League (NFL). Drafted by the Oakland Raiders in 2007, he also had stints with the Chicago Bears, Detroit Lions, and Tennessee Titans. Another renowned individual is Zé Zebina, a Portuguese retired professional footballer who played as a defender for teams like Porto, Valencia, Aston Villa, and Bordeaux. He represented Portugal in international competitions such as the UEFA Euro 2004 and the FIFA World Cup 2006. In the world of entertainment, there is singer-songwriter Zebrahead's lead vocalist, Justin Durand, born Zebina Durand. Hailing from California, he has been active in the music industry since the late 90s with his ska punk band.

Genealogical research on the last name Zebina

The surname Zebina is of Hebrew origin and is believed to be a variation of the biblical name Zebinai, which appears in the Old Testament as the son of Japhia. Over time, this name has been anglicized into various forms, including Zibinah, Sebinah, and Zebina, among others.

The earliest recorded occurrence of the surname Zebina is found in England during the Middle Ages, with a person named Richard Zebyn appearing in records from Kent around 1273. The name subsequently spread throughout Britain and Ireland, eventually migrating to other parts of Europe, including France, Germany, and the Netherlands.

In America, the Zebina family first arrived on record in Virginia during the early 17th century, with John Zibinah being listed among the colonists in Jamestown in 1623. The surname also appears in the records of early New England settlements, including Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Today, Zebina is a relatively rare surname, with a significant presence in the United States, particularly in states such as Texas, California, and Oklahoma.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Zebina"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

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NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 13 June 2025

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