Alfonso is a name of Spanish origin, derived from the Germanic name Adalfont or Adelfons, which means "noble and ready". This name has been popular among royalty in Spain and other parts of Europe throughout history.
The first known usage of the name Alfonso was in the 9th century, when it was borne by Alfonso II of Asturias, also known as Alfonso the Chaste. He was the king of Asturias from 791 to 842 and played a significant role in the Christian Reconquista of Spain from the Moors.
The name gained further prominence through its use by several subsequent Spanish kings, including Alfonso III of Asturias, Alfonso VI of León and Castile, and Alfonso X of Castile. Alfonso X was particularly notable for his contributions to literature and science during his reign in the 13th century.
Alfonso has also been used as a given name outside of Spain. For example, Alfonso XIII was the last king of Spain before the abolition of the monarchy in 1931, and Alfonso d'Este was an Italian Renaissance military leader and patron of the arts.
Today, Alfonso remains a popular choice for parents looking for a strong, regal-sounding name with historic roots. It is often associated with leadership, intelligence, and cultural richness due to its historical usage by prominent figures in Spanish history.
The given statistics track the number of births with the name Alfonso in the United States annually from 1881 to 2023. The name's popularity has varied significantly over this period, with peaks and valleys indicating trends and shifts in taste.
In the late 19th century, Alfonso was not a common name, with fewer than 15 births per year between 1881 and 1896. However, from 1897 onwards, there was a steady increase in its popularity, reaching a peak of 353 births in 1924. This trend continued until the mid-1950s, with the name remaining quite popular throughout this period.
From the late 1950s to the early 1970s, the number of Alfonso births fluctuated between 350 and 450 per year, indicating a stable level of popularity. However, from 1973 onwards, there was another significant increase in its popularity, with the name reaching an all-time high of 573 births in 1991.
After this peak, the popularity of Alfonso began to decline, dropping below 500 births per year by the late 1990s. This downward trend continued into the 21st century, with the number of Alfonso births falling below 300 per year from 2010 onwards.
The most recent data from 2021 and 2022 shows that the name Alfonso has continued to decline in popularity, with only 265 and 251 births respectively. In total, between 1881 and 2023, there have been 40,984 births with the name Alfonso in the United States.
These statistics demonstrate how the popularity of a given name can change dramatically over time, reflecting broader cultural shifts and trends in naming practices. Despite its decline in recent years, Alfonso remains one of the more uncommon names given to newborns in the U.S., with fewer than 250 births per year since 2017.