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

By Ava Isabella Hartley

Ava Isabella Hartley is a renowned expert in the field of onomastics, the study of names and their meanings, with a particular focus on baby names. She holds a Master's degree in Linguistics from the University of Cambridge and has over 15 years of experience in the study of etymology, name trends, and cultural naming practices.

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