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 Zelka family records.Start a 14-Day Free Trial

Zelka Family History

Zelka Surname Meaning

Historically, surnames evolved as a way to sort people into groups - by occupation, place of origin, clan affiliation, patronage, parentage, adoption, and even physical characteristics (like red hair). Many of the modern surnames in the dictionary can be traced back to Britain and Ireland.


Similar surnames: Belka, Zilka, Pelka, Melka, Zylka, Zelko, Zella, Vela, Melia, Pella

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

Hint: Try searching for a relative alive in 1940.

Where is the Zelka family from?

You can see how Zelka families moved over time by selecting different census years. The Zelka family name was found in the USA, and Canada between 1880 and 1920. The most Zelka families were found in USA in 1920. In 1911 there was 1 Zelka family living in Ontario. This was 100% of all the recorded Zelka's in Canada. Ontario had the highest population of Zelka families in 1911.
Use census records and voter lists to see where families with the Zelka surname lived. Within census records, you can often find information like name of household members, ages, birthplaces, residences, and occupations.
Mapbox
© Mapbox © OpenStreetMap Improve this map

What did your Zelka ancestors do for a living?

In 1940, Laborer and Housewife were the top reported jobs for men and women in the USA named Zelka. 43% of Zelka men worked as a Laborer and 100% of Zelka women worked as a Housewife.

View Census Data for Zelka | 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, Canada data unavailable

Top Male Occupations In 1940

  • Laborer
    43%
  • Farming
    29%
  • Salesman
    29%

Top Female Occupations In 1940

  • Housewife
    100%

What Zelka family records will you find?

Census Records

There are 340 census records available for the last name Zelka. Like a window into their day-to-day life, Zelka census records can tell you where and how your ancestors worked, their level of education, veteran status, and more.

Search Canadian census records for Zelka

Passenger Lists

There are 64 immigration records available for the last name Zelka. Passenger lists are your ticket to knowing when your ancestors arrived in Canada, and how they made the journey - from the ship name to ports of arrival and departure.

View all Zelka immigration records

Draft Cards

There are 76 military records available for the last name Zelka. For the veterans among your Zelka ancestors, military collections provide insights into where and when they served, and even physical descriptions.

View all Zelka military records

You've only scratched the surface of Zelka family history

Discover More

What is the average Zelka lifespan?

Between 1970 and 2004, in the United States, Zelka life expectancy was at its lowest point in 1973, and highest in 1993. The average life expectancy for Zelka in 1970 was 71, and 77 in 2004.

View Social Security Death Index (SSDI) for Zelka

An unusually short lifespan might indicate that your Zelka 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 Zelka family tree

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