Lopez

Lopez is a surname of Spanish origin, a patronymic derived from the given name Lope, which itself comes from the Latin Lupus, meaning wolf. The surname literally means “son of Lope.” It is common throughout the Spanish-speaking world, with the accentuated form López used in many countries. Anglicized forms without the accent (Lopez) are widespread in the United States and other English-speaking areas, and related Portuguese forms include Lopes.

The name spread widely through Spain’s influence in the Americas and the Philippines, where it is one of the most common surnames. It appears across many cultures and regions due to migration, colonization, and local adaptations. As a result, López is found among a diverse array of people in politics, entertainment, sports, and public life.

Notable individuals with the surname Lopez include Jennifer Lopez (born 1969), an American singer, actress, and businesswoman known for her work in music and film; Andrés Manuel López Obrador (born 1953), the Mexican politician who has served as president since 2018; Leopoldo López (born 1971), a Venezuelan politician and opposition figure; José López Portillo (1920–2004), who served as President of Mexico from 1976 to 1982; and Antonio López de Santa Anna (1794–1876), a prominent Mexican military and political leader. These examples illustrate the surname’s prominence across different fields and countries.

Geographically, Lopez Island is one of the San Juan Islands in Washington state, United States. Lopez is also the name of a municipality in Quezon Province, Philippines. The surname’s broad usage reflects its deep historical roots in the Spanish-speaking world.