Zimbalist (originally Tsimbalist) is a surname that means "one who plays the cimbalom (traditional string instrument of Central and East Europe)" and can refer to:
Al Zimbalist (1910–1975), producer of low-budget films such as Cat Women of the Moon, Watusi, and Baby Face Nelson
Andrew Zimbalist (born 1947), American economist, father of Jeff
Efrem Zimbalist (1889–1985), Russian violinist, father of Efrem Jr.
Efrem Zimbalist, Jr (1918–2014), American actor, son of Efrem and father of Stephanie
Jeffrey "Jeff" (Leib Nettler) Zimbalist (born 1978), American documentary filmmaker, son of Andrew
Mary Louise Curtis Bok Zimbalist (1876–1970), founder of the Curtis Institute of Music, married to Efrem
Michelle Zimbalist Rosaldo (1944–1981), American Anthropologist
Sam Zimbalist (1901–1958), American Oscar-winning film producer
Stephanie Zimbalist (born 1956), American actress, daughter of Efrem Jr.
