Last Name Oropeza

The surname Oropeza is of Spanish origin. It is derived from a place name and was originally a nickname for someone who lived near or worked on an estate called Oropesa. The town of Oropesa is located in several provinces in Spain, most notably in Toledo, Cuenca, and Ciudad Real. This surname has also been spelled as Aropeza, Oropesa, Oropes, Orupeza, etc., due to various phonetic changes over time.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Oropeza

The meaning and origin of the last name Oropeza

The surname Oropeza is of Spanish origin, derived from various place names within Spain. The most notable origins are likely from towns named Oropesa in the provinces of Toledo, Cuenca, and Segovia. The name Oropesa is thought to be derived from the Old Castilian word "oropeso," which means "lead weight" or "scale," possibly referring to the rocky terrain or geographical features of these towns. Over time, this place name evolved into a surname as families moved and settled in different regions, carrying their local identities with them. Today, the surname Oropeza is predominantly found among Spanish-speaking populations, particularly in Mexico, Spain, and other Latin American countries.

Geographical distribution of the last name Oropeza

The surname Oropeza is predominantly found in Mexico, with significant concentrations in various states such as Jalisco, Guanajuato, and Michoacán – regions that reflect the historical origin of many people carrying this name from the Spanish colonial period. However, due to migration, the presence of the Oropeza surname has also been reported in other parts of North America, including the United States and Canada, particularly in states like California, Texas, and Florida. Smaller numbers can also be found in Central and South American countries with historical ties to Spain, such as Colombia, Cuba, and Puerto Rico. In recent years, some individuals with the surname Oropeza have emigrated to other parts of the world, including Europe and Australia, thus spreading the distribution of this name globally.

Variants and spellings of the last name Oropeza

The surname Oropeza has several variations and spellings, primarily due to differences in transliteration and regional pronunciation. Some common versions include:

1. Oropesa: This is a variant that includes an 's' at the end, possibly influenced by the Spanish city of Oropesa.
2. O'Ropeza: This is a form that includes the Irish-style "O'".
3. Oropez, Oropes, and Oropas: These are phonetic variations that slightly alter the spelling to reflect different pronunciations.
4. Arupeza or Arropeza: These are less common variations that may have arisen due to misspellings or errors in transcription over time.
5. Orpez and Oropesy: Rare variants with slight alterations in spelling.
6. De Oropeza and Del Oropeza: These are compound surnames indicating "of" or "from" Oropeza, a common practice in Hispanic naming traditions.

Famous people with the last name Oropeza

Among the notable individuals with the surname Oropeza are:

1. Pedro Opeña Oropeza (1937-2018), a Mexican cardinal who served as Archbishop of Xalapa and President of the Mexican Episcopal Conference.

2. Ana Orozco Oropeza (born 1956), a Mexican politician who has served as Deputy of the LXII Legislature of the Mexican Congress representing Morelos.

3. Manuel Oropesa (born 1985), a Mexican professional boxer who held the WBA light flyweight title from 2010 to 2011.

4. José Carlos Oropeza (born 1964), a Mexican actor, director, and screenwriter known for his work in telenovelas.

5. Jorge Oropeza (born 1972), a Mexican former footballer who played as a midfielder for teams like Guadalajara and Monterrey.

6. Maria Elena Oropeza (born 1980), a Colombian-American actress, best known for her role as Lupita in the movie "Selena".

These individuals have made significant contributions to their respective fields, spanning religion, politics, sports, acting, and music.

Genealogical research on the last name Oropeza

The surname Oropeza originates from Spain and is derived from the occupational name "oropero," which refers to a craftsman who worked with metals, specifically gold or silver. The name was popular in regions such as Extremadura and Andalusia.

In Mexico, where the surname Oropeza is particularly common, it is believed that many of its early bearers arrived during the Spanish colonization. Some notable figures with this last name include Juan de Oropesa y Salcedo, a 16th-century conquistador, and Antonio Oropeza y Arreola, a prominent Mexican jurist and diplomat in the 19th century.

The distribution of the surname Oropeza is widespread across Mexico, with concentrations in the states of Jalisco, Guanajuato, Michoacán, and Nayarit. In the United States, California has the largest population of people with the last name Oropeza, followed by Texas, Florida, and Arizona.

Genealogical research on the surname Oropeza can be challenging due to its commonness, but tracing records such as birth certificates, marriage licenses, census data, and church documents can provide valuable information about its history and lineages.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Oropeza"
• 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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