LOPES
Lopes
Overview: Lopes is a surname of British origin, with roots in Portugal and Spain. The surname is believed to have been derived from the Spanish and Portuguese word "lobo," meaning "wolf." The name may have been used to describe a person with wolf-like characteristics, such as strength or cunning.
Historical Significance: The Lopes surname has a rich history, with records dating back to the medieval period. It is known to have been introduced to the British Isles during the Norman Conquest of 1066, when individuals from Portugal and Spain settled in England. Over the centuries, the Lopes surname has been borne by notable figures in British history, including military leaders, politicians, and artists.
Distribution and Popularity: The surname Lopes is relatively rare in the United Kingdom, with concentrations in areas with historical Portuguese and Spanish communities, such as London and Bristol. The name may also be found in former British colonies with significant Portuguese influences, such as India and Brazil.
Variant Spellings: Variants of the Lopes surname may include Lopez, Lopés, and Lopesi. These variations reflect the pronunciation and regional differences in the Spanish and Portuguese languages.
Famous Individuals:
- Sir Manasseh Masseh Lopes (1755-1831): A prominent British politician and merchant, known for his service in Parliament and contributions to the British economy.
- Holly Valance (born Holly Rachel Vukadinović, later Holly Candy): An Australian-British actress and singer, who adopted the stage name Valance from her Portuguese heritage through the Lopes family.
Modern Usage: In contemporary British society, the Lopes surname continues to be used by individuals of Portuguese and Spanish descent. Many British families with the Lopes surname take pride in their heritage and may bear the name as a mark of their ancestry and cultural identity.
There are approximately 1,893 people named Lopes in the UK. That makes it roughly the 4,406th most common surname in Britain. Around 29 in a million people in Britain are named Lopes.
Origin: Iberian
Region of origin: Europe
Country of origin: Portugal
Religion of origin: Christian
Language of origin: Portuguese
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Antonio
- Carlos
- David
- Fernando
- Francisco
- Joao
- Jose
- Luis
- Manuel
- Paulo
- Pedro
- Robson
Female
- Adriana
- Ana
- Anabela
- Carla
- Catia
- Claudia
- Daniela
- Maria
- Paula
- Sandra
- Sonia
- Susana