Alfonsa is a unique and distinctive female given name of Spanish origin. It is derived from the male name Alfonso, which is ultimately derived from the Germanic elements "adal" meaning noble and "funs" meaning ready or prepared. The name Alfonso was borne by several prominent historical figures, including Alfonso X of Castile (also known as Alfonso the Wise), who reigned in the 13th century.
The name Alfonsa is not as commonly used as its male counterpart, but it has been recorded throughout history. For instance, there was a Saint Alfonsa of the Immaculate Conception, born Luisa Maria Longo in Italy in 1852. She founded the Congregation of the Little Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary and was canonized by Pope John Paul II in 1950.
In literature, Alfonsa is also featured as a character in the play "The House of Bernarda Alba" by Federico García Lorca. The name Alfonsa has a strong and noble sound to it, reflecting its origins, but it is also unique enough to stand out from more common names. It is often associated with strength, wisdom, and leadership, qualities reflected by some of its most notable bearers throughout history.
The name Alfonsa peaked in popularity during the post-WWII baby boom, with a significant increase in births between 1946 and 1956, totaling 77 births in that decade alone. However, it declined thereafter, with only sporadic occurrences from the 1960s onwards. The highest number of births recorded in a single year was 11 in 1947. Overall, there were 144 births named Alfonsa over this period.