Last Name Lupa

Learn more about the origin of the last name Lupa

The meaning and origin of the last name Lupa

The surname Lupa is primarily of Italian and Romanian origins, with potential roots dating back to ancient Rome. In Latin, "lupa" means "she-wolf," a reference to the mythological figure that nursed the twin founders of Rome, Romulus and Remus. In Italy, it may also be a topographic name for someone who lived near a place named Lupa or a habitational name from any of several places called Lupa in various parts of Italy. In Romanian, "Lupa" can refer to a female wolf and could have been used as a nickname, later adopted as a surname. Notably, the surname Lupa is also found among Jewish families from Romania due to conversions or forced assimilation during historical periods of persecution. It's important to note that surnames often evolved as a result of historical events and cultural changes, making it difficult to pinpoint exact origins for many names.

Geographical distribution of the last name Lupa

The surname Lupa is predominantly found in Italian-speaking regions, particularly in Italy itself where it is one of the most common surnames. It originates from various locations, including the regions of Abruzzo, Tuscany, and Umbria. Outside of Italy, significant populations with the Lupa surname can be found in other Italian-speaking countries such as Switzerland and Argentina, due to historical migrations. The name is also present in small numbers in other European countries like France, Spain, and Portugal, possibly due to migration or adoption from Italian immigrants. Additionally, there are some instances of the Lupa surname in North America and Australia, primarily among descendants of Italian immigrants.

Variants and spellings of the last name Lupa

The surname Lupa has various spelling and pronunciation variants across different regions and languages. Some common variations include:

1. Luppa: A variant found predominantly among people of Italian heritage, though it can also be found in other cultures.
2. Lupo: This is the Italian form of the surname, meaning "wolf" in Italian. It may be a nickname for someone considered fierce or cunning.
3. de Lupa: A noble title meaning "of the wolf," common among families with aristocratic roots in various European countries.
4. Loupa: This variant is primarily found in French-speaking regions, though it is not as common as Lupa or its Italian variants.
5. Loopa: An alternative spelling that can be found in some English and German records.
6. Lupp: A shorter version of the surname, often used by those who have Anglicized their name from other languages.
7. Wolff: In some cases, the surname Lupa has been translated into German and may appear as Wolff or Wölff.
8. Wolf: Another possible translation of the surname into English, though it is more commonly used as a given name in that language.

Famous people with the last name Lupa

Notable individuals with the surname Lupa include:

1. Adriana Lopez-Ortiz, also known as Adriana Lupa, a Romanian-born American sculptor and installation artist whose work explores themes of identity, memory, and loss.
2. Peter Paul Lupa, an American actor who has appeared in numerous television shows and films, including "The X-Files" and "Star Trek: Voyager."
3. Giuseppe Lupa, an Italian engineer and academic who is known for his contributions to the field of civil engineering, particularly in the development of earthquake-resistant structures.
4. Lupe Ontiveros, a Mexican-American actress who had a long and prolific career in Hollywood, earning critical acclaim for her roles in films such as "Selena" and "Real Women Have Curves."
5. Alessio Lupa, an Italian writer and journalist who is best known for his work on historical topics, including the history of Italy and the Roman Empire.
6. Frankie Luparini, a British comedian and actor who rose to fame in the 1990s with appearances on shows such as "The Comedy Store" and "The Lenny Henry Show."
7. Maria Luparo, an Italian singer and songwriter whose career began in the 1960s and has spanned multiple genres, including pop, rock, and folk music.

Genealogical research on the last name Lupa

The Lupa surname, originating from Latin roots meaning "wolf," has a rich and varied history across several European countries. In Italy, the name Lupa is believed to have been a nickname for someone with a fierce or strong character, similar to a wolf. The name also appears in Scotland, where it was likely Gaelicized as MacLobhaidh, meaning "son of the wolf." In Ireland, it's possible that the name is a corruption of the Gaelic O'Laoghaire, which means descendant of Laoghaire. The Lupa family was prominent in Scotland during the Middle Ages and was mentioned in records related to the Kingdom of Strathclyde and later the Kingdom of Scotland. Notable figures bearing the name include Walter Lupo, a Scottish knight who fought in the Crusades in the 12th century. In modern times, the Lupa surname can be found throughout Europe and North America.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "lupa"
• 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