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Last Name Zerbo

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What is the origin of the last name Zerbo?

The surname Zerbo is of Italian origin, specifically from the Piedmont region. It is believed to have derived from a place named Zerbolo, which was located near Turin in northwestern Italy. Like many Italian surnames, it was traditionally occupational or geographical, denoting someone who lived or worked in a particular place or had a specific profession.

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The meaning and origin of the last name Zerbo

The surname Zerbo is primarily of West African origin, specifically within the Mossi ethnic group, who are indigenous to present-day Burkina Faso. The name Zerbo is derived from the Mossi language and translates to "a warrior," reflecting the Mossi people's history of military prowess and leadership. In Burkina Faso, the Zerbo clan is one of the eight noble clans that traditionally ruled over the Mossi kingdom. Over time, as members of this clan migrated or were enslaved and taken to other regions, the name Zerbo spread across West Africa and even beyond its shores. Today, it remains a common surname among Burkinabe communities but can also be found in various African diaspora populations.

Geographical distribution of the last name Zerbo

The surname Zerbo is predominantly found in West Africa, particularly in Burkina Faso, where it is among the most common family names. It originates from the Mossi people, one of the largest ethnic groups in Burkini Faso. The name also appears in neighboring countries such as Mali, Niger, and Benin, suggesting a widespread distribution within this region. Additionally, there are smaller populations of individuals with the surname Zerbo in France, due to migration from West Africa, especially during the colonial period.

Variants and spellings of the last name Zerbo

The surname Zerbo possesses several variants and spellings across different regions and historical periods. Some common variations include:

1. Cerbo - This spelling is commonly found among Italian-American families, although it may also be a variation in other regions with Italian influence.
2. Zarbo - This is another variant of the surname, often seen in Eastern European countries such as Romania or Bulgaria.
3. Czarbo - In some Slavic languages like Polish, the name can take on this spelling.
4. Tzarba - A Georgian variant of the name Zerbo is Tzarba.
5. Serbo - This could be a simplified or phonetic spelling of the surname found in various regions.
6. Czerbo - In some cases, the name may take on a more anglicized spelling like Czerbo.
7. Zerbova (feminine) - The female variant of the name Zerbo can be found in many Slavic-speaking countries, often with a suffix added for gender differentiation.

Famous people with the last name Zerbo

Among notable individuals bearing the surname Zerbo are:

1. Mahamane Ousmane Zerbo (born 1960), Prime Minister of Burkina Faso from February to October 2014, and President of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission from January 2017 to December 2020.

2. Roch Marc Christian Kaboré Zerbo (born 1956), a Burkinabé politician who served as Prime Minister twice, and is the current President of Burkina Faso since 29 December 2015.

3. Mariam Traoré Zerbo (born 1974), Burkinabé actress and model, best known for her roles in films such as "Sous le Soleil de Satan" and "Faut que ça danse!"

4. Souleymane Zerbo (born 1980), a French professional footballer who plays as a forward. He has played for clubs like Olympique Lyonnais, Paris Saint-Germain F.C., Ajax Amsterdam and Borussia Mönchengladbach, among others.

5. Saidou Zerbo (born 1977), a French-Malian singer-songwriter who gained fame through the TV talent show "Star Academy" in 2004. He is also an activist for the promotion of Malian culture and music in France.

Genealogical research on the last name Zerbo

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NomOrigine Team
About the author :

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.

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