Origin & Meaning of the Lopez Surname
What does the last name Lopez mean?
The surname Lopez carries the meaning "Son of Lopez." It is derived from the Spanish language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 874,523 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Lopez ranks as the #12 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Lopez come from?
The Lopez surname has its roots in Spanish heritage. Names of Spanish origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Lopez name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Lopez trace back to Spanish. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Lopez |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Lopez |
| Origin | Spanish |
| Language | Spanish |
| US Rank (2010) | #12 |
| US Count (2010) | 874,523 |
| Per 100K People | 296.47 |
| First Letter | L |
Ethnic Distribution of Lopez
According to the US Census, the Lopez surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 874,523 Americans with the Lopez last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 4.86% |
| Black | 0.57% |
| Hispanic | 92.92% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 1.02% |
| Native American | 0.38% |
| Two or More Races | 0.25% |
Popularity of Lopez Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Lopez surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Lopez surname increased by 252,987 between 2000 and 2010.
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Other Spanish Surnames
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Frequently Asked Questions About Lopez
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