The toponym Apopa means "a place with mist".

The people of Apopa, were a part of the department of San Salvador from June 12, 1824, until March 9, 1836, when it transferred to the federal district of the Central American Federation until June 30, 1839, when it again returned to a municipality of the northern district of San Salvador with the dissolution of the Central American Federation.

To cooperate in their acquisition, the General President of the Republic Don Gerardo Barrios by act of January 28, 1865, made Apopa head of the northern district with jurisdiction over San Martin, Nejapan and Tonacatepeque.

In 1878 the district increased with the incorporation of the municipality of El Paisnal.

Vendaval Apopa and it currently plays in the Salvadoran Second Division after they merged with Chalatenango.