Lupe is a unique and interesting name with an intriguing history. It is of Spanish origin, derived from the word "loba," which means "she-wolf." In some sources, it is also suggested that Lupe may be short for the name Guadalupe, which has its roots in the Mexican town of Guadalupe, named after Our Lady of Guadalupe.
The name Lupe was popularized by actress Lupe Velez, who was known as "the Mexican Spitfire" during her heyday in Hollywood in the 1930s. She was often cast as fiery and tempestuous characters, and her persona contributed to the perception of Lupe as a strong-willed and passionate name.
Throughout history, there have been several notable figures named Lupe. One of the most famous is Lupe Ontiveros, an American actress known for her roles in films such as "El Norte," "The Little Girl Who Lives Down the Lane," and "Senseless." She was also a prominent figure in the Latinx community, advocating for greater representation of Latino actors and actresses in Hollywood.
In literature, Lupe appears as a character in the novel "The Hummingbird's Daughter" by Luis Alberto Urrea. The protagonist, Tita, is nicknamed Lupe by her mother, highlighting the informal and intimate nature of the name.
Today, Lupe continues to be a popular choice among parents looking for unique and meaningful names for their daughters. Its Spanish origins give it an exotic and intriguing sound, while its short and catchy pronunciation makes it easy to remember. Ultimately, Lupe is a name that combines strength, passion, and uniqueness in one captivating package.
Based on the provided statistics, the name Lupe has seen a significant rise and fall in popularity over the past century in the United States.
The earliest recorded birth of a child named Lupe was in 1899 with just 5 births that year. The number of births increased slightly to 9 in 1900 but fluctuated between 5 and 18 births annually until 1927 when it reached 112 births, marking the start of a period of relatively high popularity for the name.
The years between 1927 and 1946 saw a steady increase in the number of babies named Lupe, with the highest recorded being 153 births in 1946. However, this trend did not continue, and after 1946, the popularity of the name began to decline.
Between 1947 and 1980, there was a significant drop in the number of babies named Lupe, from 146 births in 1947 to just 31 births in 1981. This trend continued into the late 20th century, with as few as 6 births recorded in some years between 1995 and 2007.
In recent years, there has been a slight resurgence in the popularity of the name Lupe, with 8 births recorded in 2018 and 7 births in 2019. However, overall, the number of babies named Lupe remains relatively low compared to its peak popularity in the mid-20th century.
In total, over the course of more than a century, there have been 6,011 recorded births of children named Lupe in the United States. While the name has seen periods of high and low popularity, it has maintained some level of presence throughout this time.