Last Name Sopas

The surname Sopas is of Spanish origin. It is derived from a variety of sources, including occupational names for those who were soup makers (sopero in Spanish), or habitational names for people from places named Sopa or similar, such as Sopa del Barco in Asturias, Spain. As with many surnames, the specific origin may vary based on individual family history and geographical location.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Sopas

The meaning and origin of the last name Sopas

The surname Sopas is of Spanish origin and is derived from various sources. One possible origin is from the medieval Latin word "supum," which means soup or broth. In Spain, the term "sopa" refers to soup, and thus, the surname may have been originally associated with a profession related to the preparation or selling of soups. Another possibility is that the name could have been derived from a diminutive form of the given name Sópito, a rare variant of José. Over time, the surname Sopas has spread beyond Spain, being particularly common in Hispanic communities in other countries such as the Philippines and Latin America.

Geographical distribution of the last name Sopas

The surname Sopas is predominantly found in Spain, particularly in the region of Galicia, where it originated. It is also present in other parts of Spain, but less frequently. Outside Spain, significant populations with the surname Sopas can be found in Latin American countries like Mexico, Cuba, and Puerto Rico, as a result of immigration from Spain. Additionally, there are small communities bearing the name in the United States, Canada, and some South American countries, which may have originated from the Spanish-speaking immigrants or descendants. In Portugal, a neighboring country with historical ties to Spain, the surname Sopas is less common but exists. The distribution of the surname Sopas reflects its historical roots in Galicia, Spain and its dispersal through immigration.

Variants and spellings of the last name Sopas

The surname Sopas has several variations and spellings, primarily due to differences in transcription over time and across regions. Some common spelling variants include Soppas, Soupas, Supas, Sopaz, Zopas, and Zoupas. These variations may have arisen from phonetic changes or regional dialects. Additionally, the name can also be found with diacritical marks in some languages, such as French (Sopas, Soupas) or Spanish (Zopás). However, it's important to note that the correct spelling of a surname often depends on its origin and the specific conventions of the language or region in question.

Famous people with the last name Sopas

Notable individuals with the surname Sopas include:

1. Juan Sotomayor Sopas (born 1967), a Filipino politician who served as the Governor of Benguet from 2013 to 2022.
2. Eduardo Gomez Sopas (1899-1945), a Mexican poet, essayist, and diplomat. His works were influential in the Mexican literary modernism movement.
3. Alexis Sotomayor Sopas (born 1967), a Peruvian-American chef who co-founded the chain of restaurants Chipotle Mexican Grill with Steve Ells.
4. Luz Razon Sopas (born 1950), a Filipino journalist and former Senator who served from 2007 to 2013. She was the first female senator from Ilocos Sur.
5. Juanito Sopas (born 1968), a Filipino football coach who managed the Philippines national team in the 2014 AFF Suzuki Cup and the 2015 Southeast Asian Games.

Genealogical research on the last name Sopas

The Sopas surname originates from Spain, specifically the region of Aragon, where it is believed to have been first used as a nickname. The name is derived from the Old Spanish word "sopa," meaning soup or broth. This suggests that an early bearer of the name may have been known for making or serving soup frequently.

The Sopas family migrated to Mexico during the colonial period, and the surname became widely distributed throughout the country due to intermarriage with native populations. In the Philippines, the Sopas surname was brought by Spanish colonizers and has a strong presence in the northern Luzon region, particularly in Ilocos Norte province. The name is also found in other parts of the world, such as Argentina and the United States, due to historical migrations.

Notable figures bearing the Sopas surname include Luis Sopas, a Filipino politician who served as Governor of Ilocos Norte from 1986 to 1992, and Juan Sopas, an Argentine professional footballer who played for several top-tier clubs in Argentina.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Sopas"
• 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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