Álvaro

Álvaro is a masculine given name commonly used in Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking countries. It is the Spanish and Portuguese form of the Germanic name Alward, which is derived from the elements “ala” meaning “all” and “wald” meaning “rule” or “power.” The name has been adopted into Hispanic cultures with a long tradition of royal and noble usage, and it has remained popular throughout the centuries.

The name is pronounced [aˈβlɒɾo] in Spanish and [aˈlwɐɾu] in Portuguese. In Catalan and Galician the spelling retains the “Álvaro” form, while in some modern contexts it is also seen as “Alvaro” without the accent.

Álvaro has been borne by several prominent figures, including the fifteenth-century King Álvaro I of Portugal, the Spanish conquistador Álvaro de Bazán, and more recent figures such as Álvaro Morata, a Spanish footballer, and Álvaro de la Huerta, a Spanish economist. The name is also used in literature and popular culture, often symbolizing leadership and strength.

The name's popularity has fluctuated in recent decades, but it remains a recognizable and culturally significant name in many Iberian and Latin American societies, reflecting its historical roots and continued use.