NomOrigine Background

Last Name Hipola

What is the origin of the last name Hipola?

Please wait, data loading. It may take 1 minute or 2...

Learn more about the origin of the last name Hipola

The meaning and origin of the last name Hipola

The surname Hipola is predominantly of Basque origin, a region located in the northern part of Spain and southwestern France. It is derived from various place names in the Basque Country, such as Hiolo or Hiola, which are associated with rivers or water-related features. The name may have been originally a toponymic surname, meaning "from the river or stream called Hiolo." Over time, it has been spelled and pronounced differently across various regions, leading to variations like Hipólito, Hipol, Hipola, etc. In some cases, it may also be of Greek origin, derived from the name Hippolytus, meaning "horse-breaker" or "tamer of horses." However, its Basque origin is more prevalent, especially in Spain and parts of America where Basque immigrants settled.

Geographical distribution of the last name Hipola

The surname Hipola has a predominant concentration in Portugal, particularly in the Azores archipelago and mainland regions such as Braga, Porto, Viseu, and Coimbra. This suggests that the name may have originated in these areas. Outside of Portugal, there are also notable populations with the surname Hipola in Spain, specifically in the autonomous community of Galicia where there is a significant Portuguese-speaking minority. Additionally, small clusters can be found in other countries with Portuguese diaspora communities, such as Brazil, Angola, and Mozambique. In North America, some individuals with the last name Hipola can be traced to migrants from Portugal or their descendants in countries like the United States and Canada.

Variants and spellings of the last name Hipola

Please wait, data loading. It may take 1 minute or 2...

Famous people with the last name Hipola

Notable individuals with the surname Hipolat or Hipola include:

1. José Antonio Hipólito Hernández (born 1967), a Mexican professional boxer who was a two-weight world champion.
2. Raúl Hipólito y Cisneros (1843–1900), a Spanish military officer and politician. He served as Minister of the Navy and Minister of State under Prime Minister Antonio Cánovas del Castillo.
3. Hipólito Mendoza (1786–1828), a Mexican general, revolutionary leader, and two-time President of Mexico. He is considered a national hero in Mexico for his role in the Mexican War of Independence.
4. José Hipólito Unanue (1904–1998), a Peruvian journalist, writer, poet, and politician. He served as Minister of Education under President Juan Velasco Alvarado.
5. Antoni Hipolit Cavanilles (1745–1810), a Spanish botanist who described over 6,000 plant species in his career. His work is still recognized today through the standard author abbreviation "Cav." used in botany to denote him as the author of botanical names.
6. Hipólito Mendoza (1832–1905), a Guatemalan composer, conductor, and music teacher who is considered one of the most important figures in the development of Guatemalan classical music.

Genealogical research on the last name Hipola

The Hipola surname is believed to have origins in Spain, specifically in the Basque region. Variations of the name include Hipolait, Hippolyte, and Hiipola, indicating possible influence from different languages over time. One notable figure with the surname Hipola was Esteban Hipólito de Colón, a descendant of Christopher Columbus. The family name spread to other parts of Europe, particularly France and Italy, due to historical events such as religious persecution during the Inquisition in Spain and the colonization efforts by European powers. In the modern era, the Hipola surname can be found predominantly in countries with significant Spanish or Basque populations, including the United States, Canada, Mexico, and South America. Genealogical research suggests that the family name may have origins dating back to medieval Spain, although precise records are limited due to historical events such as the destruction of archives during the Inquisition.

Last name distribution maps

Chargement de la carte...

Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 28 July 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends

Search the origin of a family name

Enter the surname you are looking for below:

Similar Last Names

Hiper (Last name)

surnames > hiper

The last name "Hiper" is of German origin. It is derived from the Old High German word "hippi" which means "small horse" or "pony". It is believed to have been used as a nickname f...

Hipl (Last name)

surnames > hipl

The last name Hipl is of German origin. It is derived from the Middle High German word "hipel," which means "small piece of cloth." It likely originated as an occupational surname ...

Hipolan manguba (Last name)

surnames > hipolan-manguba

The last name Hipolan Manguba is of Filipino origin. It is a combination of two separate surnames, Hipolan and Manguba. Both surnames are common in the Philippines and likely have ...

Hipolito-godoy (Last name)

surnames > hipolito-godoy

The surname Hipólito-Godoy is a composite surname, formed by combining two separate surnames, Hipólito and Godoy. The surname Hipólito is of Latin origin and means "happy" or "...

Hiponia-jalandoni (Last name)

surnames > hiponia-jalandoni

The surname "Jalandoni" is of Filipino origin. It is derived from the Visayan word "Landon," which means "to lead or guide," and the prefix "Ja-" which denotes someone who is a lea...

Hippert (Last name)

surnames > hippert

The surname Hippert is believed to have German origins. It is derived from a medieval nickname for someone who was thought to be lively, cheerful, or full of spirit, as "hipp" mean...

Hippoliti (Last name)

surnames > hippoliti

The last name Hippoliti is of Italian origin. It is a variant of the surname Ippoliti, which derives from the given name Ippolito, a form of the Greek name Hippolytos meaning "free...

Hippolyte (Last name)

surnames > hippolyte

The surname Hippolyte has roots in French and Greek origins. In Greek mythology, Hippolytus was a son of Theseus and Phaedra. He was known for his chastity and dedication to the go...