The surname Zepeda is of Spanish origin and is derived from a place-name in Spain or Mexico. In Spain, it could have originated from the town of Zepeda located in the province of Navarra, while in Mexico, it might have originated from various places named Zepeda across different states. The name often refers to someone who was from one of these locations or a descendant thereof.
The surname Zepeda is of Spanish origin, specifically from the Iberian Peninsula, where it was first used during the Middle Ages. It is derived from the Old Castilian word "cepeda," meaning grape vine or grapevine stalk. This surname would have initially been given to someone who lived near a vineyard or had a job related to vine cultivation. Over time, as populations migrated and families moved across Europe and later to the Americas during colonial times, variations of this surname became more prevalent. Some common variants include Zapata, Sepulveda, and Capetillo. Today, the surname Zepeda is most commonly found in Mexico, Spain, and the United States, particularly in regions with significant Spanish influence.
The surname Zepeda is predominantly distributed in Mexico, particularly in the central and northern regions, such as Jalisco, Aguascalientes, Nuevo Leon, Coahuila, and Durango, reflecting its Indigenous or Spanish origin. However, the diaspora of Mexican immigrants has extended this surname to various parts of North America, including the United States (specifically in California, Texas, Illinois, Arizona, and New Mexico) and Canada. Smaller populations can also be found in Central and South American countries where Mexican immigration is present, as well as in Spain, due to historical ties with the Iberian Peninsula. The wide geographical distribution of Zepeda suggests a long history and diverse cultural background for those who bear this surname.
The surname Zepeda has various spellings and pronunciations in English. Here are some common variants:
1. Zépeda - This is one of the original Spanish spellings, where the 'z' is pronounced as a soft 'th' (as in "thin").
2. Sepeda - This variant represents a phonetic spelling of the name, with the 's' replacing the more common 'z'.
3. Zepeda-Reyes - This is a compound surname, where Reyes (meaning kings in Spanish) is added to the original name.
4. Zépeztla - This variant is found among some indigenous Mexican communities and may represent an alternate spelling or dialectal variation.
5. Sepeada - Another phonetic variant of the surname, with 's' replacing the initial 'z'.
6. Zepeda y Sandoval - This compound surname combines the original name with Sandoval (meaning defender of the sand), creating a unique and distinctive name.
7. Zépedez - A rare variant where the 'd' at the end of the name is doubled, which may represent a mistake in transcription or a regional variation.
8. Cespeda - This is an English variant of the Spanish surname, with the initial 'c' representing a hard 'k' sound. It may also be a result of anglicization or assimilation into English-speaking communities.
Amongst individuals sharing the surname Zepeda, several notable figures have made significant contributions across various fields. José Ángel Zepeda (1946-2018), a Mexican professional boxer, holds the record for having fought more than 170 world champions in various weight classes. In the realm of visual arts, Gonzalo Zepeda (born 1955) is a prominent Mexican painter known for his vibrant and expressive works that often explore themes of identity and cultural heritage.
In the United States, Lupita Zepeda (born 1967) serves as a member of the Chicago City Council, advocating for social justice, education reform, and economic development within her district. Moreover, Marisela Zepeda (born 1953), a Mexican-American activist and academic, has made significant contributions to the fields of Chicano studies and women's studies through her research on gender, race, and ethnicity in U.S. society. Lastly, Jorge Luis Zepeda (born 1960) is a Mexican poet and literary critic who has received numerous accolades for his poetry collections and critical essays exploring themes of love, identity, and the human condition.
The surname Zepeda originates from Spain, specifically Andalusia, where it was first recorded during the late Middle Ages. The name is derived from the Visigothic personal name "Sepeida," which means "rich in offspring" or "wealthy with children." Over time, the name evolved to Zepeda in various parts of Spain and was brought to the New World by Spanish colonizers in the 16th century.
In Mexico, the Zepeda family emerged as a notable clan during the Colonial period. One of the most famous members was Francisco Javier Zepeda y Castro (1728-1794), a prominent lawyer and politician who served as the Mayor of Mexico City from 1765 to 1766. The Zepeda family also played significant roles in the political, military, and religious history of New Spain during the Colonial period and early Mexican Independence.
In present-day United States, the Zepeda name is most concentrated in southwestern states such as Texas, California, Arizona, and New Mexico, reflecting the historical migration patterns of Spanish colonizers into these regions. The name remains prevalent within Latino communities across the country, with notable contemporary figures such as musician Juanes (Juan Alberto Vásquez Cabral) and actress Paulina Gaitán bearing the surname Zepeda.
Chargement de la carte...
Enter the surname you are looking for below:
surnames > zephlyn
The last name Zephlyn is of uncertain origin and does not have a specific meaning or known cultural background. It is a relatively rare surname and may have originated from a combi...
surnames > zepp
The last name Zepp originated in Germany and is derived from the Middle High German word "zepe," which means a container for liquids or food. It is believed to have originally been...
surnames > zeppa
The surname Zeppa is of Italian origin. It is likely derived from the word "zeppo," meaning "full" or "complete" in Italian.
surnames > zeppo
The last name Zeppo is of Italian origin. It is believed to be a variant of the Italian surname "Ceppo," which means "log" or "block." The name may have originated as a nickname fo...
surnames > zepro
The surname Zepro is of Italian origin. It is derived from the given name Zeta, which is a diminutive of the name Vezio. It is believed to have originated as a nickname for a swift...