Show ContentsZajac History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The distinguished surname Zajac is of Polish origin, and is derived from the Polish word "zajac," meaning "hare." The name was likely first borne by someone who hunted hare.

Early Origins of the Zajac family

The surname Zajac was first found in Polesie, the largest province of Poland. It is inhabited by Ruthenians, called Polesians, of Ukrainian descent. The main towns are those of Brest Litovsk, Pinsk, Kobryn, Kamenets, Litovsk, and Luninets. It was in this province that the renowned Radziwills and Sapiehas held their vast estates. Wolczyn was the seat of the Czartoryski family. The surname became noted for its many branches in the region, each house acquiring a status and influence which was envied by the princes of the region. In their later history the Zajacs became a power unto themselves and were elevated to the ranks of nobility as they grew into this most influential family.

Early History of the Zajac family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Zajac research. Another 142 words (10 lines of text) covering the years 1412, 1464, 1500, 1597, 1600, 1722, 1723, 1791, 1818 and 1826 are included under the topic Early Zajac History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Zajac Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Zajac, Sajaczek, Zayac, Zajack, Zajaksky, Zajakski, Sajeck, Zejac, Zejazek, Sajak, Sayjack, Sajack and many more.

Early Notables of the Zajac family

Prominent among those of the name Zajac in this period were

  • many members the Zajacek family of Stammsitz, who lived in Poland and Bohemia and owned the principalities of Oppeln, Ratibor, Teschen, and Troppau...

Zajac Ranking

In the United States, the name Zajac is the 8,512nd most popular surname with an estimated 2,487 people with that name. 1 However, in France, the name Zajac is ranked the 6,267th most popular surname with an estimated 1,000 - 1,500 people with that name. 2


Zajac migration to the United States +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Zajac Settlers in United States in the 19th Century
  • Johann Zajac, who settled in Galveston, Texas in 1854
  • Ludwig Zajac, who was naturalized in Texas in 1865
Zajac Settlers in United States in the 20th Century
  • Agatha Zajac, aged 37, who settled in America from Rdrowha, in 1900
  • Andriej Zajac, aged 25, who landed in America from Krasne, Austria, in 1907
  • Anastasia Zajac, aged 18, who settled in America from Ruszow, Austria, in 1909
  • Agniszka Zajac, aged 20, who landed in America from Szczebrusz, Russia, in 1910
  • Adam Zajac, aged 17, who immigrated to the United States from Lubatow, Galicia, in 1910
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Contemporary Notables of the name Zajac (post 1700) +

  • Jack Zajac (b. 1929), American artist
  • Ted Zajac, American Democratic Party politician, Candidate in primary for Michigan State House of Representatives 18th District, 1968 3
  • Rick Zajac, American politician, Candidate for Presidential Elector for Michigan, 2012 3
  • Michael Zajac, American Democratic Party politician, Alternate Delegate to Democratic National Convention from Massachusetts, 1940 3
  • John C. Zajac, American Libertarian politician, Candidate for U.S. Representative from Arizona 5th District, 1996; Candidate for U.S. Senator from Arizona, 1998 3
  • Marek Zajac (b. 1973), Polish football defender
  • Marcin Zajac (b. 1975), Polish football midfielder
  • Jozef Ludwik Zajac (1891-1963), Polish general and pilot
  • Rudolf Zajac (b. 1951), former Minister of Health of Slovakia
  • Jan Zajac (b. 1980), Czech light middleweight boxer
  • ... (Another 1 notables are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)


  1. "What are the 5,000 Most Common Last Names in the U.S.?". NameCensus.com, https://namecensus.com/last-names/
  2. http://www.journaldesfemmes.com/nom-de-famille/nom/
  3. The Political Graveyard: Alphabetical Name Index. (Retrieved 2016, January 15) . Retrieved from http://politicalgraveyard.com/alpha/index.html


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