Last Name Lopardo

The surname Lopardo is of Italian origin. It is derived from the medieval occupational name "Lupardo," which means "little wolf" in Italian. This surname was likely given to someone who had characteristics associated with a wolf, such as bravery or cunningness, or it may have been used by someone who worked with wolves, like a fur trapper or shepherd. Over time, the spelling of the name has evolved from "Lupardo" to various forms, including Lopardo and LoParo, among others.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Lopardo

The meaning and origin of the last name Lopardo

The surname Lopardo is of Italian origin, derived from the medieval occupation name "luparo" or "luparro," which refers to a trapper or hunter of wolves. The name is believed to have been used as a nickname for someone who was skilled in hunting and trapping wolves, with "lupo" meaning wolf and "-ardo" being a diminutive suffix. Over time, the spelling evolved into Lopardo. This surname can be found predominantly among Italians, particularly those from the southern regions like Sicily and Calabria. The name is still common in Italy today and has been carried by immigrants to various parts of the world.

Geographical distribution of the last name Lopardo

The surname Lopardo is primarily distributed in Italy, particularly in regions such as Calabria and Sicily where it originated from. It's also common in some parts of southern Italy like Campania, Puglia, and Abruzzo. Emigration from these areas has resulted in a presence of the name in various countries worldwide, with notable concentrations in the United States, Argentina, Brazil, Australia, and Canada. In the US, the highest concentrations are found in states such as New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, reflecting the historical migration patterns from southern Italy to these areas.

Variants and spellings of the last name Lopardo

The surname Lopardo has several variations and spellings, primarily due to differences in transliteration, regional dialects, and family lineage over time. Some common spelling variants include Lopardo, Loperto, Lupardo, Luparro, and Lupardoa (in the Basque language). These variations may arise from phonetic changes or errors during migration records, making it difficult to trace direct lineages between these names. Additionally, some families with Italian origins might have slightly different spellings due to regional dialects, such as Loprando in Calabria and Loparro in Sicily. However, the root of all these variations can be traced back to the original Italian surname Lopardo, which is derived from the personal name "Lupardus" or "Wolf-hard", a compound name composed of "lupus" (wolf) and "hard" (brave or hardy).

Famous people with the last name Lopardo

Notable individuals with the surname Lopardo include:

1. Nick Lopardo (born 1947), an American professional baseball player who played as a catcher for seven Major League Baseball teams between 1968 and 1983.
2. Frank Vincent Lopardo (1937-2017), an American film, television, and stage actor, best known for his role as mob boss Billy Batts in Martin Scorsese's film "Goodfellas."
3. Salvatore J. Loparo, a Professor of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at the University of Virginia, recognized for his work on fluid dynamics, combustion, and energy systems.
4. Dominic Lopardo (born 1986), an American-Canadian professional ice hockey player who currently plays as a defenseman for the Krefeld Pinguine of the German DEL.
5. Maria Lopardo (born 1970), an Argentine actress, model, and television host, known for her work in telenovelas and as a presenter on MTV Latin America.
6. Peter Lopardo (1892-1953), an American musician, songwriter, and bandleader who led his orchestra during the 1920s and 1930s, including performances at the Roseland Ballroom in New York City.

Genealogical research on the last name Lopardo

The Lopardo surname is of Italian origin and is derived from the occupational name for a guardian or watchman, specifically one who watched over vineyards. Variations in spelling include Lopardo, LoParo, and Loparco, among others. One notable figure with this surname is Vincent Lopardo, an American actor born in 1962, best known for his roles in films such as "The Sopranos" and "ER." In Italy, the Lopardo family from Messina, Sicily, has been traced back to the 1500s. The family played a significant role in the Sicilian Vespers, a rebellion against French rule in Sicily in 1282. Throughout history, the Lopardos have been involved in various professions including agriculture, law, and medicine.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Lopardo"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

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.
Last updated : 28 July 2025

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