 The origin of the name Talpa is not known – some say it was named for the catalpa tree and others from a rock, possibly talpatate, a rock of superficial origin resembling caliche.The original town of Talpa was mapped out in the early part of 1900, consisting of 130 blocks, of 8, 9, 10, and 20 lots per block.Several additions were mapped out, including W.J.