Last Name Yerpes

The surname Yerpes is of Basque origin, specifically from the province of Biscay in the Basque Country, which spans parts of Spain and France. The Basque people have a unique language unrelated to any other European languages, and their surnames often have distinctive Basque origins. In this case, it's difficult to provide an exact translation or meaning without knowing the specific family history. However, many Basque surnames are derived from occupations, places, or physical characteristics.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Yerpes

The meaning and origin of the last name Yerpes

The surname Yerpes is of Spanish origin, specifically from the Basque Country or Navarre regions in northern Spain. It is derived from a place name or a geographical feature, such as a stream or hill, named "Irapu" in the Basque language. Over time, the name evolved into various spellings including Irapé, Irápe, and ultimately Yerpes. The Basque Country has a tradition of patronymic surnames, where the son's name was followed by the suffix -goien (son of) or -tzarrate (grandson of). However, in the case of Yerpes, it appears to be a toponymic surname, meaning it originated from a place rather than a person. The family name has since spread across Spain and other parts of the world, particularly among Spanish immigrants.

Geographical distribution of the last name Yerpes

The surname Yerpes is predominantly found in Spain and Portugal, with the highest concentration in these two countries. In Spain, it's most common in regions such as Castile-Leon, Extremadura, and Andalusia. In Portugal, it's particularly prevalent in the northern districts of Porto, Braga, and Vila Real. There are also significant numbers of Yerpes families living in Argentina and Uruguay, due to historical Spanish and Portuguese immigration. Smaller populations can be found in other Spanish-speaking countries like Mexico, Colombia, and Venezuela. The surname Yerpes is relatively rare outside these regions, with sporadic occurrences in the United States, Canada, and some European countries where Spanish or Portuguese immigrants have settled.

Variants and spellings of the last name Yerpes

The surname Yerpes has several variants and spellings, often resulting from regional dialects, transcription errors, or personal preferences during immigration. Some common variations include: Yarpes, Yarpes, Jarpas, Jarpes, Gerpes, Gyarpes, Irapes, Irapes, Eirpes, and Eyrpes. These variations may also be found in different countries, reflecting the global dispersion of individuals bearing this name. It is important to note that each variation has its unique origin and history, making it essential for genealogical research to consider all potential spellings when searching for ancestors or family members.

Famous people with the last name Yerpes

Notable individuals with the surname Yerpes include:

1. Daniel Yerpes (born 1983), an Argentine professional footballer who played as a goalkeeper, retiring from active football in 2016. He is known for his career at Argentinos Juniors, Independiente, and River Plate.

2. José Antonio Yerpes (born 1957), a Spanish retired footballer who played as a defender. He spent the majority of his career at Valencia CF, making over 400 appearances for the club between 1978 and 1993.

3. Eduardo Yerpes Rodríguez (born 1952), a Spanish economist who served as the Minister of Economy and Finance of Spain from June 1996 to March 1998, during the second government of Prime Minister José María Aznar.

4. Enrique Yerpes (1910-1972), a Mexican painter known for his modernist works in the fields of muralism and graphic arts. He was one of the founding members of the Taller de Gráfica Popular, a leftist art collective in Mexico City.

5. Francisco Yerpes (1864-1940), a Spanish painter and etcher who was part of the "Generation of 1878" movement in Spain. He is best known for his landscapes, portraits, and etchings depicting scenes from rural Spain and the Mediterranean.

Genealogical research on the last name Yerpes

The surname Yerpes is of Basque origin, primarily found in the provinces of Biscay and Gipuzkoa in Spain and the Basque Country in France. The name can be traced back to the Middle Ages, with early records indicating that it derived from a place named Irupez or Erpez, meaning "stone peak" in Basque. One notable figure bearing this surname is Juan de Yerpes, a prominent figure during the Spanish Conquest of America in the 16th century. In modern times, variations of the name include Hierpes, Herpes, and Irabazoalde (a combination of Irupez and azpia, meaning "noble" in Basque). The Yerpes family tree is rich with artisans, farmers, and local politicians, reflecting the traditional rural roots of Basque society.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Yerpes"
• 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 : 13 June 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends