Discover people named Matilde Lopes

The last name Lopes has its origins in the Iberian Peninsula, particularly in Portugal and Spain, where it is derived from the given name "Lopo," which itself is a diminutive of "Wolf" (from the Latin "lupus"). The name is historically associated with individuals who may have exhibited characteristics akin to those of a wolf, such as strength or cunning, or it could have been linked to occupations related to hunting or animal husbandry. Lopes is a patronymic surname, meaning "son of Lopo," and it has been widely adopted in various forms across different regions. Notable variations include López in Spain, which is more common, and Lopes in Brazil, where it has gained significant popularity due to Portuguese colonization. The surname has also been found in other cultures, often with slight alterations in spelling or pronunciation, reflecting the diverse linguistic influences in regions where Portuguese and Spanish are spoken. Overall, Lopes is a surname rich in cultural heritage, reflecting both its geographical roots and the characteristics of its early bearers.