indicate the level to which a name has been verified.
Meaning & History
A mostly Ashkenazi Jewish surname, while specific documentation linking "Zinder" to the German word "Zünder" (meaning "tinder" or "firestarter") is limited, the surname "Zinder" is believed to have German origins, possibly derived from the word "Zindel," which refers to a "bundle of wood shavings." This term is associated with materials used to start fires, suggesting a potential connection to the "firestarter" occupation. It might also be referring to ancestral occupations related to woodworking or carpentry.Additionally, the surname "Zinder" may be a variant of the Jewish name "Zundler," which derives from the German word "zünden," meaning "to light" or "to set a spark." This association further supports the connection to fire-starting or ignition. A nickname for someone with a fiery personality is also a plausible option.The surname Zinder is relatively rare, ranking as the 594,812th most common surname globally, with notable populations in the United States, Israel, and Germany. The surname has been also associated with Jewish families in Argentina, as noted in genealogical records. A notable person linked to the surname is Lev Rafailovich Zinder (1904–1995), a Russian linguist specializing in German philology.