Surname Alfonso - Meaning and Origin
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read moreAlfonso: What does the surname Alfonso mean?
The last name Alfonso is a Spanish and Italian name derived from the Germanic name Adalfuns which is composed of two elements: adal, meaning “noble” or “nobility”, and funs, meaning “ready and prepared”. Together, these two elements create the meaning of “ready for duty and prepared for service.”
The name Alfonso is believed to have first appeared as a title given to Visigothic rulers of Spain in the 7th century. There were several kings who wore the name Alfonso, most famously Alfonso X, who reigned from 1252 to 1284. He is often referred to as “el Sabio” (“the Wise”) for his accomplishments in ushering the transition from medieval to modern age through the encouragement of culture, science, and education.
Through its long and noble history, the name Alfonso has become strongly associated with one who is capable and reliable in service, and of a regal nature in character. The name is often seen in families of aristocratic descent and is a proud reflection of their past and the ideal for which their ancestors strove.
Order DNA origin analysisAlfonso: Where does the name Alfonso come from?
The last name Alfonso is most commonly seen in countries with a Spanish-speaking history such as Argentina, Spain, Mexico, Peru, and Colombia. It is also widely found throughout Central America in places such as Guatemala and Honduras. The last name Alfonso is also becoming increasingly popular in the United States.
The roots of the last name Alfonso can be traced back to Visigothic legacy due to the presence of Alfonso III who was King of Asturias. During the post-Roman period, the Visigoths influenced much of the Iberian peninsula and, as a result, many of the last names related to this period contain Latin and Greek influences. The prevalence of Alfonso as a last name is believed to have arisen from the various rulers who were named Alfonso throughout the centuries.
The history of the last name Alfonso is also intricately linked to the kingdom of Castile which was established by Alfonso VI in 1072. Alfonso X, also known as Alfonso the Wise, was a prominent ruler of this kingdom in the thirteenth century who was responsible for reviving much of the culture and literature of the time period.
Given that the Alfonso name is steeped in Spanish history and remains a popular name throughout the Iberian countries, it is likely that the last name Alfonso will remain a prominent fixture throughout the countries which are part of Spain’s cultural influence.
Variations of the surname Alfonso
The surname Alfonso is a Spanish name derived from the Old French "alfuns" or "alfonse" consisting of the elements "adal", meaning "noble" and "fons", meaning "ready".
It is understood to be a patronymic, meaning that it is meant to refer to the given name of a parent or ancestor, and as such it can have multiple variations both geographically and linguistically, such as the version Almodovar, which is specific to regions of Spain.
Variants of the name Alfonso include Alfons, Alfonsi, Alfonsin, Alfonse, Alfonseta, Alfonso, Fons, Fonsi, Fonse, Fonsi, Fonzi, Fonzie, Fonzio and Fonsero. Spelling variations for the name include Alfonço, Alfónso, Alfonz, Alfuntz, Alfonso, Alfoñso, Fonz, Fonza, Fonzo, and Fonzio.
The surname Alfonso is found in countries such as the United States, Italy, Germany, Mexico, Brazil, and other Spanish-speaking countries. Furthermore, surnames derived from the same origin include Alfano, Alonso, Alonzo, and Alonso.
Overall, the surname Alfonso has many different spellings, variants, and associated surnames due to its geographic spread and its complex history. As such, further exploration into the history of the name is advisable for those interested in its true meaning.
Famous people with the name Alfonso
- King Alfonso XIII of Spain (1886–1941).
- Actor Alfonso Ribeiro (1971-).
- Actress Aída Alfonso (1985-).
- Golfer Sharky Alfonso Jr. (1984-).
- Film director Alfonso Arau (1932-).
- Chef Alfonso Roba-Rosa (1960-).
- Composer Alfonso Burgos (1922-2004).
- Race car driver Alfonso de Hohenlohe (1966-).
- Hurler Alfonso Narváez (1932-2013).
- Artist Luis Alfonso Jiménez Jr. (1982-2006).
- Singer Alfonso Pérez (1945-).
- Singer Alfonso Ortiz Tirado (1962-).
- Footballer Alfonso Expósito (1947-).
- Astronaut Pedro Duque (1963-).
- Actor and singer Alfonso Signorini (1966-).
- Physicist Alfonso Armas (1952-).
- Politician Alfonso Valdés Cobián (1917-2012).
- Bullfighter Alfonso Pérez Gazitúa (1923-2005).
- Actor Alfonso Herrera (1983-).
- Historian Alfonso García Martínez (1946-).