All about the name

Alves

Male

« The Portuguese surname Alves originates from the word "alvo," meaning "white," likely given as a nickname for someone with light-colored hair or fair skin. It has been prominent in Portugal since the 13th century, with notable figures like Pero Martins de Alvares and António de Oliveira Salazar. »

#38366 since 1900

Meaning, origin, history

Alves is a surname of Portuguese origin, derived from the Portuguese word "alvo," which means "white." It is believed to have originated as a nickname given to someone who had light-colored hair or fair skin. The name Alves has a rich history in Portugal, with many notable individuals bearing this surname throughout its recorded history. The earliest known use of the surname Alves can be traced back to the 13th century in Portugal. One of the first records of the name is that of Pero Martins de Alvares, who was born in the town of Guimaraes in 1240. He served as a knight and fought alongside King Sancho II during the Battle of Alarcos against the Moors. Over time, the Alves family became prominent in Portuguese society, producing many notable figures in various fields such as politics, literature, and arts. Some famous individuals with the surname Alves include: * António de Oliveira Salazar, who served as the Prime Minister of Portugal from 1932 to 1968. * Carlos Alberto Alves, a Brazilian footballer who played for several teams in Brazil and Europe during the 1970s and 1980s. * Fernando Lopes da Silva Alves, a Portuguese poet and literary critic who was born in 1858. Today, Alves is still a popular surname in Portugal and Brazil, with many people carrying on the family name's rich history and tradition. Despite its origins as a nickname, the surname Alves has evolved into a proud and respected family name that continues to be passed down through generations.

In numbers

Popularity of the name Alves since 1880

Total births
5
Total since 1880
Peak year
1920
5 births
in 1920
5
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
0%
vs previous 5 years