Last Name Topa

The surname Topa does not have a universally agreed-upon origin. It is found across various countries and cultures, making it difficult to pinpoint its exact origins. However, some sources suggest that the name may be of Hebrew or Jewish origin. In Hebrew, "top" means "moth," and it could be derived from a Hebrew Jewish surname Topaz, meaning "moth-like." Another theory indicates that Topa is a variant of the Welsh surname ap Howell (son of Howell), in which the first syllable "ap" was dropped over time. Yet another possibility is that Topa could be related to the Turkish word "top," meaning "cannon." It's thought that some families with this surname might have originated from the Ottoman Empire. Ultimately, it's essential to note that the origins of a surname can often be complex and multifaceted, and it's not always possible to pinpoint a single definitive source. A genealogical researcher may help you further explore the history and potential origins of the Topa surname in your family tree.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Topa

The meaning and origin of the last name Topa

The surname Topa has its roots in various ethnic groups and countries. In Portuguese-speaking nations, such as Portugal and Brazil, Topa is an occupational name derived from the Old Portuguese word "topar," which means to mend or repair shoes, shoesmith. It may also be a variation of the Basque surname Toquiza or Tapia, originating from the Basque Country in Spain and France, where it refers to a blacksmith. In African countries like Angola, Topa can be found among the Ovimbundu ethnic group, though its specific meaning within this context is unclear. The name's dispersal across different regions suggests its diversity in origins and meanings, with various linguistic and cultural influences shaping its use over time.

Geographical distribution of the last name Topa

The surname Topa has a significant presence in Central and South America, particularly in countries such as Peru, Chile, and Bolivia, due to their Indigenous roots. In Peru, it is one of the most common surnames, often associated with Quechua ethnicity. Additionally, it is also found among the Mapuche people in Chile and Aymara communities in Bolivia. The name Topa may be derived from various sources, including indigenous languages or place names, but its specific origins can vary within different cultural groups. Its geographical distribution reflects the historical migration patterns of these Indigenous communities and the integration of their cultures with Spanish colonizers over centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Topa

The surname Topa can be spelled and variated in several ways due to differences in spelling conventions across regions and languages. Here are some variations and spellings of the surname Topa:

* Tópá (with an acute accent over the 'o') is a common variant used in Portuguese-speaking countries, as it follows the diacritical mark rules for words of Latin origin.
* Topa without accents is a more straightforward spelling and is commonly used in English-speaking countries.
* Tópa (with an acute accent over the 'o' and a final 'a' instead of 'a') can also be found, especially in Hungarian-speaking communities.
* Topaa or Topáa may appear as more exoticized or creative spellings of the name Topa.
* Other possible variations include Taupa (in Estonian), which has a different etymology and meaning, or Tupa (in Finnish), which is an unrelated word referring to a sauna.

It's essential to note that these variations can be found in different parts of the world, reflecting cultural, regional, and linguistic differences. It's crucial to consider the intended audience when deciding on the appropriate spelling for a specific context.

Famous people with the last name Topa

Notable individuals with the surname Topa include:

1. Jorge Topazio Topa (born 1970), Peruvian politician who served as President of Peru from July to November 2000, following the resignation of Alberto Fujimori.

2. Ricardo José Pérez Topia (1938-2015), a Chilean Catholic prelate who served as Bishop of Rancagua from 2004 until his death in 2015.

3. Maria Isabel Topa (born 1976), a Filipina beauty queen who was crowned Miss World Philippines 2008 and represented the Philippines at the Miss World 2008 pageant.

4. Edmundo Topa (born 1953), a Bolivian politician who served as Vice President of Bolivia from August 2006 to January 2007, during the interim government led by Eduardo Rodríguez Veltze.

5. Mario Alberto Topia (born 1961), an Argentine football manager and former player, known for his time at Independiente, Boca Juniors, and River Plate in Argentina, as well as Real Madrid in Spain.

Genealogical research on the last name Topa

The surname Topa originates from the Basque region, specifically in the Spanish province of Gipuzkoa. The name is derived from various place names within the area, such as Topo or Tapo, which are believed to be related to topography or land features. The earliest recorded instances of the name date back to the 16th century, with individuals like Martín de Tapia appearing in records during this time.

Over time, the Topa family expanded and migrated, with some members settling in South America, particularly in Argentina, Chile, and Peru due to Spanish colonization. In these countries, the name has persisted and become common among the population, often associated with Basque immigrants or their descendants.

Notable individuals bearing the Topa surname include Santiago Topia, a Chilean politician who served as a minister of defense and interior during the mid-20th century, and Pedro Gonzalez Topa, a Peruvian anthropologist known for his work on indigenous cultures in the Andean region. Today, the Topa family is widely dispersed across several countries but continues to maintain its roots in the Basque region of Spain.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "topa"
• 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 : 11 August 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends