Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name Guadalupe

Guadalupe is derived from a place name in central Spain which owes its name to the Guadalupe River meaning “river of the wolf” from the Arabic “wad” meaning “river” and the Latin “lupus” meaning “wolf”. Remnants of the Arabic language are found on the Iberian Peninsula leftover from the Moorish occupation. The name is made most significant as a title for the Blessed Mother (Virgin Mary) - Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe (Our Lady of Guadalupe). It’s similar to Our Lady of Carmel and Our Lady of Fatima which give Spanish-speakers the names Carmen and Fatima. In the 16th century, the Blessed Mother appeared before a native Aztec man named Juan Diego in a desert near Mexico City. When he told the town bishop of his vision, the bishop demanded evidence. Returning to the spot, Juan Diego told the Virgin Mary he required proof. She told him to pick some roses from the bush behind him and return to the bishop. When Juan Diego opened his satchel in front of the skeptical bishop, instead of the roses, there appeared an image of the lady from his vision. According to legend, the mother of Jesus appeared to Juan Diego as an Aztec princess speaking in his own native tongue. Mary identified herself as Coatlaxopeuh, an Aztec name that was mistaken for the Spanish word Guadalupe. Translated from the Aztec (Nahuatl) language, Coatlaxopeuh apparently means “woman who defeats the snake”. Considering the snake (serpent) symbolism as “evil” in reference to the Garden of Eden, this etymology fits nicely with the overall narrative. The powerful Our Lady of Guadalupe miracle is credited with converting six million indigenous Mexicans to Christianity shortly after Juan Diego’s vision. It is believed that God sends the Blessed Mother to lead people to Jesus, which is why Guadalupe is particularly venerated in Mexico. Our Lady of Guadalupe is also the patron saint of the Americas. Not only is Guadalupe the 22nd most popular female name in Mexico (2010), but it is also given as a second name to both males and females. The name appears all over the Mexican naming charts. Pet forms of the name include Lupe and Lupita.

All About the Baby Name – Guadalupe

Personality

OF THE GIRL NAME GUADALUPE

The number Seven personality is deeply mystical and highly in tune with their spirituality. They operate on a different wavelength than the average joe. Spending time alone comes easily to Sevens, as it gives them time to contemplate philosophical, religious and spiritual ideas in an effort to find "real truth".  Sevens are wise, but often exude mystery as if they are tapped into something the rest of us don't understand. They love the outdoors and are fed by nature. Sevens are constantly seeking to understand human nature, our place in the universe, and the mystery of life in general. This makes them quite artistic and poetic, but they are also keen observers with high intellect - so they are equally scientific-minded. Sevens are charitable and care deeply about the human condition.

Popularity

OF THE GIRL NAME GUADALUPE

This Mexican favorite has maintained a spot on the U.S. naming charts consistently since 1880, although only with moderate usage. It has mainly been Mexican-Americans and those of other Hispanic descent who have fueled the usage of this offbeat Spanish name. Guadalupe seems to have settled upon mild-moderate usage in the United States. Not common among English-speakers, Guadalupe has been most popular in states where there is a high concentration of Mexican-Americans (mainly the southwest region). The name’s etymology gives it a sense of strength “river of the wolf” and the pet forms, Lupe (wolf) and Lupita (little wolf) bring a certain charming quality to the more serious and lengthy Guadalupe. It’s a very religiously charged name, particularly among Catholics and Mexicans/South Americans. Guadalupe is also uniquely Spanish which gives it a lovely and poetic resonance. It reminds us of other Spanish noun-word names such as Esmeralda (emerald), Soledad (solitude), Bianca (white) and Paloma (dove). It is also famous for being an “Our Lady of [fill in the blank]” name. Other examples: Fatima, Carmen, Lourdes, Nieves, and Consuelo. Guadalupe is perhaps the most meaningful in the continents of North and South America since Guadalupe is specifically the patron saint of the Americas. The name is also a number seven in numerology – which is the spiritual and mystical number. How perfect.

Quick Facts

ON GUADALUPE

GENDER:

Girl

ORIGIN:

American

NUMBER OF SYLLABLES:

4

RANKING POPULARITY:

456

PRONUNCIATION:

gwah-dhah-LOO-pe

SIMPLE MEANING:

River of the wolf

Characteristics

OF GUADALUPE

Mystical

Wise

Eccentric

Intuitive

Imaginative

Philosophical

Solitary

Cultural References to the Baby Name – Guadalupe

Literary Characters

OF THE BABY NAME GUADALUPE

We cannot find any significant literary characters by the name of Guadalupe

Childrens Books

ON THE BABY NAME GUADALUPE

We cannot find any childrens books with the first name Guadalupe


Popular Songs

ON GUADALUPE

We cannot find any popular or well-known songs with the name of Guadalupe


Famous People

NAMED GUADALUPE

Guadalupe Victoria (first President of Mexico)
María Guadalupe Jones Garay (best known as Lupita Jones, Mexican businesswoman, beauty queen and former Miss Universe)
Guadalupe Victoria (first President of Mexico)
María Guadalupe Jones Garay (best known as Lupita Jones, Mexican businesswoman, beauty queen and former Miss Universe)
Guadalupe Victoria (first President of Mexico)
María Guadalupe Jones Garay (best known as Lupita Jones, Mexican businesswoman, beauty queen and former Miss Universe)

Children of Famous People

NAMED GUADALUPE

We cannot find any children of famous people with the first name Guadalupe

Historic Figures

WITH THE NAME GUADALUPE

We cannot find any historically significant people with the first name Guadalupe