Find out how popular the first name Lopez has been for the last 16 years (from 1980 to 1995) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Lopez by gender

Based on the last 16 years of data, Lopez is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 1995, there were 7 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Lopez.

The history of the first name Lopez

The name Lopez is a Spanish given name derived from the Spanish word "lobo", meaning "wolf". It originated in the Iberian Peninsula during the Middle Ages, around the 10th to 12th centuries. The name was likely given to children as a symbol of strength and courage, qualities associated with wolves in the region's folklore and mythology.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Lopez can be found in the Codex Calixtinus, a 12th-century medieval manuscript that documented the history and miracles associated with the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela. The text mentions a man named Lopez de Mendoza, who was a prominent figure in the region during that time.

Throughout the centuries, there have been several notable individuals bearing the name Lopez. One of the most famous was Lope de Vega (1562-1635), a Spanish playwright and poet widely regarded as one of the most influential writers of the Spanish Golden Age. His prolific works, which included plays, poems, and novels, have had a lasting impact on Spanish literature.

Another notable figure was Lopez de Gómara (1511-1566), a Spanish historian and writer best known for his chronicles of the Spanish conquest of Mexico. His work, "Historia de la Conquista de México", provided a detailed account of Hernán Cortés's expedition and the fall of the Aztec Empire.

In the 17th century, Lopez de Legazpi (1510-1572) was a Spanish explorer and navigator who led the first successful Spanish expedition across the Pacific Ocean, establishing the first permanent Spanish settlement in the Philippines.

The name Lopez also has religious significance, with Lopez de Mendoza (1398-1458), a Spanish cardinal and statesman, playing a crucial role in the Catholic Church during the 15th century. He was known for his efforts in promoting education and his support for the arts and literature.

While the name Lopez has Spanish origins, it has been adopted and used in various cultures and regions around the world, particularly in Latin American countries. Variations of the name, such as Lopez, Lopes, and Lop, can be found in different languages and cultures, reflecting the widespread influence of Spanish culture and language.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Lopez was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Lopez, please contact us.

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