Show ContentsZerben History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The roots of the distinguished German surname Zerben can be traced back to the region of Saxony. The name is derived from the place name "Zerben," a town near the city of Magdeburg, and would most likely have been initially borne by a resident of this area. Alternatively, the name may be derived from the Germanic "serbe," a term which refers to the Slav-speaking minority in Eastern Germany.

Early Origins of the Zerben family

The surname Zerben was first found in Zerben, where the name most likely originated. A surname deriving from a place of origin is often bestowed on someone who has moved from their native town; thus, it is probable that the initial bearer of the surname Zerben was a native of Zerben who had taken up residence in another town.

Early History of the Zerben family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Zerben research. Another 93 words (7 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Zerben History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Zerben Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Zerbe, Zerben, Serbe, Serben, Syrbe, Syrben and others.

Early Notables of the Zerben family

More information is included under the topic Early Zerben Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.


United States Zerben migration to the United States +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Zerben Settlers in United States in the 18th Century
  • Jacob Zerben and his wife Maria Catharine, who emigrated from the Palatinate to New York with their four children in 1709
  • Jacob Zerben, who landed in New York in 1709 1


  1. Filby, P. William, Meyer, Mary K., Passenger and immigration lists index : a guide to published arrival records of about 500,000 passengers who came to the United States and Canada in the seventeenth, eighteenth, and nineteenth centuries. 1982-1985 Cumulated Supplements in Four Volumes Detroit, Mich. : Gale Research Co., 1985, Print (ISBN 0-8103-1795-8)


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