Alfonso is a name of Spanish origin, derived from the Germanic name Adalfont or Adelfons, which means "noble and ready". This name has been popular among royalty in Spain and other parts of Europe throughout history.
The first known usage of the name Alfonso was in the 9th century, when it was borne by Alfonso II of Asturias, also known as Alfonso the Chaste. He was the king of Asturias from 791 to 842 and played a significant role in the Christian Reconquista of Spain from the Moors.
The name gained further prominence through its use by several subsequent Spanish kings, including Alfonso III of Asturias, Alfonso VI of León and Castile, and Alfonso X of Castile. Alfonso X was particularly notable for his contributions to literature and science during his reign in the 13th century.
Alfonso has also been used as a given name outside of Spain. For example, Alfonso XIII was the last king of Spain before the abolition of the monarchy in 1931, and Alfonso d'Este was an Italian Renaissance military leader and patron of the arts.
Today, Alfonso remains a popular choice for parents looking for a strong, regal-sounding name with historic roots. It is often associated with leadership, intelligence, and cultural richness due to its historical usage by prominent figures in Spanish history.
The name Alfonso experienced significant popularity growth from the late 1800s to its peak in the early 1900s, with a total of over 40,000 births recorded between 1881 and 2023. The highest birth years were around World War I, reaching as high as 353 births in 1924. However, the popularity has been declining since the mid-20th century, with fewer than 300 births annually from the late 1960s onwards, and dropping below 200 births per year after 2017. The most recent data shows a total of 224 births in 2023.