Afonso – Name Meaning
The name Afonso is of Portuguese origin and is derived from the Latin name Alphonsus. It is a masculine given name, meaning “noble and ready” or “ready for battle”. The name has been popular in Portugal since the Middle Ages, when it was used as a royal name.
History of the Name
The first recorded use of the name Afonso dates back to 1095, when it was used by King Alfonso VI of Castile. Since then, it has been used by several other kings and rulers in Portugal and Spain. In Portugal, the name has been associated with several prominent figures throughout history, including Afonso I (1139-1185), who was the first king of Portugal; Afonso II (1211-1223), who was the second king of Portugal; and Afonso III (1210-1279), who was the third king of Portugal.
In addition to being used as a royal name, Afonso has also been used as a surname in Portugal since at least the 16th century. It is believed to have originated from a nickname given to someone who was brave or courageous in battle.
Popularity
Afonso is still a popular name in Portugal today. According to data from 2018, it is currently the 11th most popular male name in the country. It is also popular in other countries with Portuguese influence, such as Brazil and Angola.
Famous People Named Afonso
There are many famous people named Afonso, including:
- Afonso Alves – Brazilian footballer
- Afonso Costa – Portuguese politician
- Afonso Dhlakama – Mozambican politician
- Afonso Henriques – First King of Portugal
- Afonso de Albuquerque – Portuguese explorer and military leader