Last Name Zipser

Learn more about the origin of the last name Zipser

The meaning and origin of the last name Zipser

The surname Zipser is of German origin, derived from several possible sources. One theory suggests it is a locative name for someone from the place called Zips or Zipf, which are regions in present-day Germany and Slovakia, respectively. Another theory proposes that the name might be a metonymic occupational name for a weaver, as "Zipse" was an old German word for a shuttle used in weaving. Over time, variations of the name, such as Zipsor, Zipeser, and Zipser, have emerged due to regional dialects and scribal errors. The surname is relatively rare but can be found in several parts of the world, particularly in countries with significant Germanic influences.

Geographical distribution of the last name Zipser

The surname Zipser is predominantly found in regions with significant Jewish populations, particularly those that have been impacted by German-speaking Jewish communities over centuries. This name is most prevalent in Germany and other parts of Central Europe, including Austria, Switzerland, and the Czech Republic. A notable diaspora exists in North America due to historical migration waves, with a significant concentration in the United States and Canada. In the U.S., states like New York, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and California have the highest density of individuals bearing the name Zipser. In Canada, the provinces of Ontario, Quebec, and British Columbia also exhibit a substantial presence of this surname.

Variants and spellings of the last name Zipser

The surname Zipser can have various spellings and variations, some of which include Zipsier, Tzipser, and Tsipser. These differences are primarily due to changes in spelling conventions over time, as well as regional or cultural influences. In English-speaking countries, the most common spelling is typically Zipser, while in other languages or regions, variations like Tzipser or Tsipser might be more prevalent. Regardless of the specific spelling, all these forms are derived from the same original name and are considered to be variants of each other.

Famous people with the last name Zipser

Notable individuals with the surname Zipser include:

1. Arthur Zipser (born 1936), an American poet, novelist, and literary critic. He served as a professor at Stanford University for several decades. His works often explore themes of identity, culture, and history.

2. David Zipser (1940-2020), an American mathematician who made significant contributions to the field of harmonic analysis. He was a professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and was known for his work on Fourier analysis, partial differential equations, and representation theory.

3. Gideon Zipser (born 1946), a Canadian mathematician who specializes in algebraic geometry and number theory. He has been a professor at the University of Toronto and has made contributions to areas such as arithmetic dynamics, modular forms, and diophantine approximation.

4. Michael Zipser (born 1968), a German-American physicist who specializes in astrophysics and cosmology. He is a professor at the University of California, Berkeley and has made significant contributions to our understanding of galaxy evolution, dark matter, and cosmic microwave background radiation.

Genealogical research on the last name Zipser

The Zipser surname is primarily of German and Jewish origin. It is believed to have been derived from various places named Zips or Zipf in Germany, such as in Baden-Württemberg and Saxony. The name could also originate from the Yiddish word "tsipes," meaning tailor. Notable figures with the surname Zipser include Heinrich Zipser (1857-1933), a German violinist, and Hans Zipser (born 1962), a Swiss musician. In Judaism, several rabbis and scholars have carried the name, such as Isaac Zipser (1848-1902) and his son Israel Zipser (1875-1937). The Zipser family is also known in the realm of academia, with notable members including Paul Zipser (1907-1994), a German economist, and Martin Zizler, an Austrian mathematician who changed his name to Zipser. The surname remains common among Jewish families worldwide.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

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

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.
Last updated : 29 July 2025