Alfonsa is a feminine given name of Spanish origin, derived from the Germanic name Adalwolf, which combines the elements "adal" meaning noble and "wulf" meaning wolf. Thus, Alfonsa means "noble wolf".
The name Alfonsa has a long history, with its earliest known usage dating back to the Middle Ages in Spain. It was often used as a short form of names like Alfonso or Alfonse, which were popular among Spanish royalty and nobility.
One notable figure bearing the name Alfonsa was Alfonsa dei Rossi (1424-1479), an Italian noblewoman who served as the Duchess of Nepi. She was known for her political influence and diplomatic skills during the Renaissance period.
Despite its rich history, Alfonsa is not a widely used name today. It may be considered somewhat old-fashioned or unusual in modern times. However, it could still be chosen by parents looking for a unique and meaningful name with historical significance.
"The name Alfonsa was quite popular in the late 1920s, with six babies named Alfonsa born in 1924 and an additional five in 1928."