Last Name Lopes-barroso

The surname Lopes-Barroso is a Portuguese composite surname, formed by combining two separate surnames, each with its own historical origins. 1. Lopes: This patronymic surname derives from the personal name Loup (or Lupus in Latin), which was originally a nickname for someone with gray or black hair, resembling the fur of a wolf. The name was later bestowed as a baptismal name and became a hereditary surname. 2. Barroso: This toponymic surname originated from places named "Barroso" in Portugal, which means "stony" or "rocky" ground. It is believed that the original inhabitants of these locations took on this surname as an identifier to distinguish themselves from others who lived in different areas. The combination of Lopes and Barroso creates a composite surname that is relatively common among Portuguese-speaking populations, particularly in Portugal and Brazil.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Lopes-barroso

The meaning and origin of the last name Lopes-barroso

The surname Lopes Barroso is a Portuguese patronymic name, consisting of two elements: "Lopes" and "Barroso." The word "Lopes" originates from the medieval Iberian personal name "Loipo," a variant of "Louis," which is derived from the Germanic name "Hludwig." This name was popularized by Saint Louis IX of France, who was revered in Portugal.

The second part, "Barroso," comes from the occupational name referring to someone who worked with or sold barrels (barril in Portuguese). The suffix "-o" indicates that it is a masculine noun and therefore functions as a surname. The combination of these two elements resulted in the formation of the surname Lopes Barroso, which is common in Portugal.

Over time, variations in spelling and transliteration have led to different forms of the name being found across the world, especially among Portuguese descendants.

Geographical distribution of the last name Lopes-barroso

The surname Lopes-Barroso is predominantly of Portuguese origin and has a significant presence in Portugal, particularly in regions such as Minho, Trás-os-Montes, and Lisbon. Outside Portugal, there are substantial populations with this last name in former Portuguese colonies, notably Brazil, Angola, Mozambique, and Cape Verde. In Brazil, Lopes-Barroso is most common in the states of Minas Gerais, Paraíba, Pernambuco, and Rio de Janeiro. It's also found in other countries with Portuguese-speaking communities like United States, Canada, and France, due to immigration from Portugal and its colonies.

Variants and spellings of the last name Lopes-barroso

The surname Lopes-Barroso has several variations and alternate spellings due to differences in transliteration and regional pronunciation. Some common variations include Lopez-Barroso, Lopes Barroso, and Lopes de Barroso. In Portuguese, the hyphen is optional, so it can also be written as LopesBarroso or Lopes de Barroso. The name combines the surname Lopes, which is derived from the occupational name for a shepherd, with Barroso, which means 'son of the stonemason'. Variations may occur due to differences in translation and transcription from Portuguese to other languages or dialects.

Famous people with the last name Lopes-barroso

Notable individuals with the last name Lopes-Barroso include:

1. Alexandre Lopes-Barroso - A Brazilian politician who served as a federal deputy from 2019 to 2023, representing the state of Minas Gerais for the Social Liberal Party (PSL).

2. Ana G. Lopes-Barroso - An American medical researcher known for her work on the genetics and developmental biology of the model organism Caenorhabditis elegans. She is currently a professor at the University of California, San Francisco.

3. Augusto de Lima Lopes Barroso - A Brazilian lawyer and politician who served as Minister of Justice during the military dictatorship from 1967 to 1968. He was also a member of the National Congress representing the state of Minas Gerais for several terms.

4. Caetano Veloso, born Caetano Lopes Barroso - A renowned Brazilian musician, singer-songwriter, and poet. Considered one of the pioneers of Tropicália, a cultural movement that merged traditional Brazilian music with international pop, rock, and avant-garde music.

5. Edmilson Lopes Barroso - A Brazilian footballer who played as a goalkeeper for several professional clubs in Brazil and Europe. He is best known for his time at FC Porto and the Brazilian national team.

Genealogical research on the last name Lopes-barroso

The Lopes-Barroso surname is a Portuguese composite name, derived from the components 'Lopes' and 'Barroso.' 'Lopes' is an occupational name, referring to a wolf hunter or shepherd, while 'Barroso' refers to someone who lived on barros, a Portuguese word for 'gravelly land.'

The Lopes-Barrossos can be traced back to medieval Portugal. The earliest recorded instances of the surname are found in the 13th century, primarily in the Minho and Trás-os-Montes regions. Over time, the name spread throughout Portugal due to migrations and population shifts.

Some notable individuals with the Lopes-Barroso surname include Manuel Inácio Lopes Barroso, a Portuguese journalist and politician who served as President of Portugal from 1958 to 1965; and Luís de Freitas Branco Lopes Barroso, a Brazilian composer and musician.

In terms of geographical distribution, the Lopes-Barrossos are predominantly found in Portugal, Brazil, Angola, Mozambique, and Cape Verde, reflecting the historical Portuguese colonial expansion.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "lopes-barroso"
• 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 : 30 July 2025

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