Álvar

Álvar is a masculine given name of Spanish origin. In medieval Spain it appears in chronicles and poetry as a standalone given name, rather than primarily as a surname or nickname.

Origin and usage: The precise etymology of Álvar is not definitively established, but the name is part of the Iberian medieval onomastic tradition. In modern usage the form is uncommon, with related names such as Álvaro being more widely used in contemporary Spanish-speaking contexts.

Notable bearers: Álvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca (c. 1490–1558) was a Spanish explorer who survived a shipwreck and undertook a remarkable overland journey across the North American continent, documenting his experiences in written accounts. Álvar Fáñez de Minaya (fl. late 11th–early 12th century) was a nobleman and knight associated with the Reconquista and figures in the epic Cantar de Mio Cid.

Modern context: Today, Álvar is primarily encountered in historical, literary, or genealogical contexts. It is regarded as part of Spain’s medieval onomastic heritage and is sometimes revived in discussions of historical names, though it remains uncommon as a given name in contemporary usage. Related names include Álvaro and other forms arising from medieval Spanish naming traditions.