What is the origin of the last name Llopis?

The surname Llopis is of Catalan origin. It is derived from the Occitan word "lope" meaning wolf, and was likely used as an occupational name for a shepherd or a nickname for someone resembling a wolf. The name became more common in regions like Catalonia, Valencia, and the Balearic Islands during the Middle Ages. Over time, it has been spelled and pronounced in various ways, such as Llobich, Llobet, Llobera, and Llopis, due to regional dialects and phonetic changes.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Llopis

The meaning and origin of the last name Llopis

The surname Llopis is of Spanish origin, specifically from the Catalan region. It derives from the occupational name "el llop" or "loup", which means 'the wolf' in Catalan and Old Occitan. Originally, a person bearing this name may have had a professional connection to wolves, such as a trapper or shepherd who worked with these animals. Over time, the spelling evolved into Llopis, reflecting the region's unique phonetics and orthography. The name is relatively uncommon outside of Catalonia, making it a distinctive and regional identifier for many bearers of this surname.

Geographical distribution of the last name Llopis

The surname Llopis is predominantly found in Spain, particularly in the autonomous communities of Catalonia and Valencia, where it is one of the most common surnames. It is also present in other parts of Spain but to a lesser extent. Beyond Spain, there are significant numbers of people with this surname in countries with large Spanish-speaking populations, such as the United States, Puerto Rico, Cuba, and Dominican Republic, due to historical migration patterns. Additionally, some individuals carrying the Llopis surname can be found in other European countries like France, Italy, or Germany, often as a result of immigration from Spain during different periods of history.

Variants and spellings of the last name Llopis

The surname Llopis possesses several variations in both spelling and pronunciation due to regional dialects and historical transcription practices within Spain. Some common variations include Llobet, Llobregat, Llopart, Llopis, Llopes, Llopo, and Llop, all of which share a similar etymology derived from the Catalan word "llop," meaning wolf. The letter 'i' in these names represents the diphthong /oi/ or /ou/ in Catalan phonetics. Other variants that may have different origins but are phonetically similar include Loopes, Lopez, and Loup, which are more common in other regions of Spain and Latin America, although they are not direct descendants of the original Llopis lineage. It is important to note that surnames in Catalonia were historically written in a variety of forms depending on local traditions, which can lead to further variations.

Famous people with the last name Llopis

Notable individuals with the surname Llopis include:

* Jesús López López, also known as "Jesús la Tota", a Spanish professional basketball player who has played for teams such as Real Madrid and the Phoenix Suns in the NBA.
* Raül Llopis, a renowned Catalan pianist, composer, and music teacher, known for his interpretations of works by Debussy, Ravel, and Chopin.
* Juanjo Llopis, a Spanish television presenter and journalist who has worked for various channels including La Sexta, Telecinco, and Cuatro. He is best known for hosting the popular reality show "MasterChef España".
* Maria Llopis, an American actress who has appeared in films such as "The Dark Knight Rises" and "The Amazing Spider-Man 2". She also starred in the television series "Ballers".
* David Llopis, a Spanish professional footballer who plays for Real Betis Balompié. He has represented Spain at various youth levels and made his senior debut in 2017.

Genealogical research on the last name Llopis

The surname Llopis, of Catalan origin, is predominantly found in Spain, particularly in regions such as Catalonia and Valencia, where it is one of the most common surnames. It derives from the occupational name "lobista," meaning a broker or dealer, which originated from the Old Catalan word "lobis" or Latin "locabit." The earliest recorded instances of the Llopis family can be traced back to the late Middle Ages, with the first known bearer being Guillem Llopis in 1327. Throughout history, the Llopis family has been well-represented across various professions and fields, from law to arts, including notable figures like the painter Josep Llobet i Llopis (1859-1909) and the linguist Pompeu Fabra i Poch (1868-1948). Today, the Llopis family has branches across Spain, South America, and other parts of the world, maintaining a rich cultural heritage while adapting to diverse environments.

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NomOrigine Team
About the author :

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.

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