The authors agree that this surname has Greek roots. E. Rossoni sets out two hypotheses: that it could derive from the place name Joppolo, in the Vibo Valentia area, or else —and he considers this more likely— that it comes from the name of Greek origin Eupolos, borne by the founding ancestors. Rossoni recalls that Saint Eupolos, a martyr in Catania in the year 304 AD under the emperor Diocletian, is venerated under that name, and that his cult spread especially in eastern Sicily, thus favouring the use of the name among the population.

P. Durante, for his part, proposes an alternative Greek etymology: a derivation from the term ioplokos, meaning "dark-haired", or else from a diminutive form of that same etymon.

As for its geographical distribution, Rossoni notes that the variant Ioppolo is typically Sicilian and is concentrated especially in the Messina area —in localities such as Capo d'Orlando, Naso, Sinagra and San Fratello— and also in Catania. The variant Joppolo, by contrast, is considerably rarer and likewise appears linked to the Messina area.