Alfonso

Alfonso is a masculine given name of Spanish and Portuguese origin. It derives from the Old Frankish name Adal-funs, later Latinized as Alphonsus and Alphonso, combining elements meaning noble and ready. The name spread through medieval Iberia and became common among the royal houses of Asturias, León, Castile and Portugal.

In medieval Iberia, several rulers bore the name Alfonso, reflecting its prestige and popularity. Notable monarchs include Alfonso X el Sabio, king of Castile and León in the 13th century, renowned for his patronage of learning and law; Alfonso VI el Bravo, who ruled León and Castile in the 11th century and played a key role in the Reconquista; and Alfonso XIII, king of Spain from 1886 until the proclamation of the republic in 1931.

Today, Alfonso remains widely used in Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking countries. Variants include Afonso in Portuguese; Alphonse in French; and Alphonso or Alphonsus in English. The name also appears in Italian and other Romance-language communities, often with local spellings and pronunciations.

Notable contemporary individuals named Alfonso include film director Alfonso Cuarón (born 1961), known for Gravity and Roma; actor and television personality Alfonso Ribeiro (born 1971); and Mexican actor Alfonso Herrera (born 1983). The name continues to be a familiar choice in many parts of the world, reflecting its historical depth and cultural reach.