Last Name Yepes

Learn more about the origin of the last name Yepes

The meaning and origin of the last name Yepes

The surname Yepes is of Spanish origin, primarily found in the Andalusian region of Spain. It derives from the medieval occupational name "yepesero" or "yepés," which referred to someone who worked with iron (hierro), as yepes was a type of small bar of iron used for various purposes. The surname could also have originated from places named Yepes, such as the municipalities in the provinces of Toledo and Guadalajara in Spain. Over time, the spelling has evolved to include variations like Yépez, Yepe, Yeapes, and Yepes. This surname, like many others, was an important part of the identity of Spanish families, providing a connection to their ancestral lineage and occupation.

Geographical distribution of the last name Yepes

The surname Yepes is predominantly found in Spain and Colombia, reflecting its historical origins in these countries. In Spain, it is most common in the regions of Castile-La Mancha, Extremadura, Andalusia, and Madrid. A significant number of people with the surname Yepes also reside in cities such as Toledo, Córdoba, Seville, and Madrid. In Colombia, the surname Yepes is particularly prevalent in the departments of Antioquia, Caldas, Valle del Cauca, and Bogotá. It is worth noting that due to historical migration patterns and cultural exchanges, people with the surname Yepes can be found in various other countries worldwide, including the United States, Venezuela, Argentina, and Peru.

Variants and spellings of the last name Yepes

The surname Yepes has various spelling variations, which may include: Yépes, Yepez, Yépez, Yépès, Yépiz, Yépeis, Yepís, and Yepice. These differences in spelling can be attributed to regional dialects, transcription errors over time, or individual preferences when transliterating from one language to another. For instance, the name may have originated from a Spanish-speaking region where the letter "e" is pronounced as both "e" and "i," leading to multiple spellings for the same name. It's essential to consider these variations when conducting genealogical research or cross-cultural communication involving individuals with this surname.

Famous people with the last name Yepes

Notable individuals with the surname Yepes include:

1. Jorge Isaías Yepes (born 1948), a Colombian politician who served as the President of Colombia from August to December 1990, following the resignation of President César Gaviria Trujillo.

2. Juan Alí Yepes Moreno (1932–2016), also known by his stage name Camerón de la Isla, a Spanish singer and songwriter who was a leading figure in the New Flamenco movement.

3. Julián Yepes (born 1958), a Spanish professional road bicycle racer from 1978 to 1990, best known for winning the Vuelta a España in 1984.

4. Luis Augusto Yepes Giraldo (born 1963), also known as El Pistolero or simply Pistolero, a Colombian former footballer who played as a defender. He is currently the manager of the Colombia national team.

5. Juan Carlos Yepes (born 1974), a retired footballer who played for clubs such as Espanyol and Real Betis in Spain, and the Mexico national team.

These individuals have made significant contributions to their respective fields, including politics, music, sports, and football management.

Genealogical research on the last name Yepes

The surname Yepes originates from Spain, specifically the region of Castile and León. It is an occupational name derived from the Old Spanish word "yepés," meaning a type of weaver who worked with woolen fabrics. The first recorded use of the name dates back to the 13th century in the Kingdom of Castile. Over time, the Yepes family spread across Spain and later migrated to other parts of Europe and the Americas during the Spanish colonial period. Notable members of this family include Juan de Yepes y Alvarez, a Spanish composer and priest better known as Juan del Encina, and Francisco Yepes, a renowned classical guitarist from Colombia. The Yepes lineage boasts a rich history in various fields such as music, religion, and politics. Today, the name is prevalent not only in Spain but also among Spanish-speaking communities worldwide.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Yepes"
• 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 : 12 June 2025