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Last Name Ziemba

What is the origin of the last name Ziemba?

The surname Ziemba is of Polish origin. It is derived from a geographical name, specifically referring to someone who lived near a swamp or marshy area. The word "Ziemia" in Polish means 'earth' or 'land', and over time, it has evolved into the surname Ziemba. This surname can also be found among individuals of Polish descent in countries such as the United States, Canada, and Australia, as a result of migration from Poland.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Ziemba

The meaning and origin of the last name Ziemba

The surname Ziemba is of Polish origin, derived from the geographical name "Ziemia", which translates to "land" or "soil" in English. Originally, it was likely used as a topographic name for someone who lived on fertile soil, or perhaps as a habitational name for someone from one of the numerous places named Ziemia throughout Poland. Over time, variations of the surname have emerged, including Ziemba, Ziemian, Ziemowit, and others, as families migrated and assimilated into different cultures. Today, the surname Ziemba is most commonly found among individuals of Polish descent, particularly in Poland, North America, and other regions with a significant population of Polish immigrants.

Geographical distribution of the last name Ziemba

The surname Ziemba is primarily of Polish origin and has a significant presence in Poland, where it ranks among the top 2,000 most common surnames. A notable concentration of individuals with the surname Ziemba can be found in the southeastern part of the country, particularly around the city of Rzeszów. Outside of Poland, there are also substantial populations of people with the surname Ziemba in countries with large Polish diasporas such as the United States, Canada, Germany, Australia, and the United Kingdom. In the United States, the highest concentrations of individuals with the surname Ziemba can be found in states with significant Polish American populations, such as Pennsylvania, Illinois, Michigan, and New York.

Variants and spellings of the last name Ziemba

The surname Ziemba can be found with various spellings and minor variations, mostly due to differences in transliteration, regional dialects, or individual preferences. Some common variants include Ziembaa, Ziembah, Ziembau, Ziembow, and Ziembae, among others. In some cases, the name might also be spelled as Zimba, though this may not necessarily be a variant of the original Polish surname. It is important to note that each of these variations represents the same name, originating from Poland, and may have been adapted over time due to factors such as immigration, assimilation, or transcription errors.

Famous people with the last name Ziemba

Notable individuals with the surname Ziemba include:

1. Jim Ziemba (born 1948), American mathematician known for his contributions to statistical theory, mathematical statistics, and econometrics.
2. Mike Ziemba (born 1957), American jazz saxophonist who has performed with artists such as Freddie Hubbard and McCoy Tyner.
3. Paul Ziemba (born 1948), American former professional football player who spent 10 seasons in the National Football League, primarily with the New York Giants.
4. Ron Ziemba (born 1956), American retired professional ice hockey goaltender who played in the National Hockey League for teams such as the St. Louis Blues and Detroit Red Wings.
5. Zygmunt Ziemba-Nobel (1898–1974), Polish composer, conductor, and violinist known for his contributions to film music, ballet, and opera.

Genealogical research on the last name Ziemba

The surname Ziemba, of Polish origin, is primarily found in Eastern Europe and among the Polish diaspora. It translates to "snowman" in English, derived from the word "ziemia," meaning earth or land, and "babka," which means grandma, due to the belief that snow resembles an old woman. The name's earliest recorded appearance is in 13th-century Poland. Notable figures with this surname include Włodzimierz Ziemba, a Polish mathematician who made significant contributions to functional analysis, and Frank Ziemba, an American football player who played for the Green Bay Packers. The name's spelling may vary slightly due to transliteration and immigration processes, with forms such as Zyemba, Ziembski, or Tsiemba found among Polish-American families.

Last name distribution maps

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Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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 : 28 July 2025

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