Surname Zeda - Meaning and Origin
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Zeda: What does the surname Zeda mean?
The last name Zeda is a toponymic surname of Jewish origin, derived from the city of Zedazeni in Georgia. The surname likely appeared in Jewish communities in the 19th Century, as many Jews moved to Zedazeni, in the coastal region between the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea, to take advantage of newly granted religious and economic freedoms.
The literal meaning of the name Zedazeni comes from the original Georgian term for the city zardi, which means a cliff. It is believed that the name reflects the city’s geographical location, as it is situated on a high hill overlooking the surrounding countryside. It is also possible that it is derived from the old Georgian word for crown, which could refer to the hill's perceived significance as a royal sheltering place.
Families bearing the Zeda surname are likely descended from individuals who left Zedazeni in the late 19th century, either to escape religious or political conflicts, or in search of better economic opportunities. As the 20th century progressed, the Zeda name began to spread from Zedazeni, mainly within the Jewish population of Eastern Europe, and across the world.
Today, the Zeda surname is found around the world, in countries such as the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, Russia, Belarus, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Turkey, and Israel. It is also present in the countries of the former Soviet Union, especially those with large Jewish populations, such as Georgia, Ukraine and Belarus.
Order DNA origin analysisZeda: Where does the name Zeda come from?
Today, the surname Zeda is most commonly found in parts of South Africa. Specifically, the Zeda family name is primarily found in the Eastern Cape province and the Western Cape province, located in the southernmost tip of the continent. It is believed that the name originated amongst Afrikaner families, stemming from the common name 'stede' (or 'steden'), which means 'place' or 'locality' in Dutch. The surname itself is derived from the term 'zedaar', which refers to a specific place in the Dutch language.
The Zeda family has had a long history in South African communities, being one of the earliest families to settle in the area. While many Zeda family members have since immigrated to other countries, the Zeda name remains one of the most common Afrikaner surnames in South Africa, being found in all major cities and towns.
In addition to South Africa, the Zeda name can be found in smaller numbers in the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Australia, Netherlands, and New Zealand. The frequency of the surname Zeda is not considered high in these countries, however, and it is likely that many surname holders are descendants of South African emigrants. Nevertheless, the Zeda name continues to survive and be carried on by families around the world.
Variations of the surname Zeda
The surname Zeda is a variation of the surname Zadda. It likely originated inextricably from Scotland, come from the Gaelic personal name Mac Ced. Other variant spellings and surnames of the same origin from Scotland include Zadda, Zedde, De Zedde, De Zed, Zedder, Zedderman, Zieder, and Zieter.
In England, the surname Zeda is also linked to an English origin, coming from a personal name and place name Zedde or Zed. Zedde is from the Anglo-Saxon Zeada, meaning “gifted” or “talented”. Variant surnames of the same origin in England include Zed, Dziedzic, Zeddies, Zeddis, Zidell, Zucks, and Zuecks.
In Wales, the Welsh version of Zeda is Zedda. Another Welsh variant of the same origin is Zeddin, derived from the Welsh word Zeddy. It is also related to the Welsh word Zeda, meaning “fashioned”. Other variant Welsh surnames of the same origin include Zediker, Zediker, Zedabel, Zedly, and Zedder.
In Ireland, the surname Zeda is derived from the Gaelic name Mac Ceada, which means “son of Ceada”. Variant Irish surnames of the same origin include Mac Zed, Zed, Mac Zedder, Zedder, Mac Sedder, Sassard, and Zwert.
Overall, the surname Zeda is a variant of the name derived from multiple origins in Scotland, England, Wales, and Ireland. It is believed to be related to the Gaelic personal name Mac Cead, which means “son of Ceada”, or the English Zeada meaning “gifted” or “talented”. These variants all likely serve as a testament for how far back and widespread the origin of the surname Zeda truly is.
Famous people with the name Zeda
- Scott Zeda: professional poker player
- Paul Zeda: former mayor of Toronto
- Mark Zeda: professional mixed martial artist
- Malek Zeda: actor in The Ottoman Lieutenant
- Israel Zeda: Israeli author and lecturer
- Orlando Zeda: Venezuelan tennis player
- Beatriz Zeda: Venezuelan television presenter
- Daniel Zeda: Argentinian footballer
- Kiara Zeda: Australian actress
- Rob Zeda: British landscape photographer