This page needs Javascript enabled in order to work properly. Click here for instructions on how to enable it in your browser.
Surname Header Image
Get access to Zelman family records.Start a 14-Day Free Trial

Zelman Family History

Zelman Surname Meaning

Jewish (Ashkenazic): variant of Selman.

Source: Dictionary of American Family Names 2nd edition, 2022


Similar surnames

Search for a relative to learn more about your family history.

Hint: Try searching for a relative alive in 1940.

Where is the Zelman family from?

You can see how Zelman families moved over time by selecting different census years. The Zelman family name was found in the USA, and Canada between 1840 and 1920. The most Zelman families were found in USA in 1920. In 1840 there was 1 Zelman family living in Ohio. This was 100% of all the recorded Zelman's in USA. Ohio had the highest population of Zelman families in 1840.
Use census records and voter lists to see where families with the Zelman surname lived. Within census records, you can often find information like name of household members, ages, birthplaces, residences, and occupations.

What did your Zelman ancestors do for a living?

In 1940, Salesman and Saleslady were the top reported jobs for men and women in the USA named Zelman. 15% of Zelman men worked as a Salesman and 27% of Zelman women worked as a Saleslady. Some less common occupations for Americans named Zelman were Operator and Secretary.

View Census Data for Zelman | Data not to scale

*We display top occupations by gender to maintain their historical accuracy during times when men and women often performed different jobs.

United States shown, England data unavailable

Top Male Occupations In 1940

  • Salesman
    15%
  • Laborer
    15%
  • Clerk
    9%
  • Operator
    9%

Top Female Occupations In 1940

  • Saleslady
    27%
  • Typist
    11%
  • Housewife
    11%
  • Secretary
    11%

What Zelman family records will you find?

Census Records

There are 2,000 census records available for the last name Zelman. Like a window into their day-to-day life, Zelman census records can tell you where and how your ancestors worked, their level of education, veteran status, and more.

Search UK census records for Zelman

Passenger Lists

There are 1,000 immigration records available for the last name Zelman. Passenger lists are your ticket to knowing when your ancestors arrived in the UK, and how they made the journey - from the ship name to ports of arrival and departure.

View all Zelman immigration records

Draft Cards

There are 294 military records available for the last name Zelman. For the veterans among your Zelman ancestors, military collections provide insights into where and when they served, and even physical descriptions.

View all Zelman military records

You've only scratched the surface of Zelman family history

Discover More

What is the average Zelman lifespan?

Between 1962 and 2004, in the United States, Zelman life expectancy was at its lowest point in 1973, and highest in 2003. The average life expectancy for Zelman in 1962 was 64, and 84 in 2004.

An unusually short lifespan might indicate that your Zelman ancestors lived in harsh conditions. A short lifespan might also indicate health problems that were once prevalent in your family. The SSDI is a searchable database of more than 70 million names. You can find birthdates, death dates, addresses and more.

Discover the unique achievements of ancestors in the Zelman family tree

Explore Your Tree
Search for another surname
Enter last name/surname
Start a 14-Day Free Trial