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The surname of Alonzo or Alonso is of
patronymic origin, being one of those surnames based on the first name of the father or other ancestor of eponymous
bearer, and meaning simply "son or descendant of Alonso".
This first name is etymologically derived from the Germanic name of Alfonso, which
according to some scholars, means "noble warrior", from "alt" meaning
"noble" or "high", and "funs", meaning "warrior, or
war-like". Following variations share the same heritage: Alonzo, Alonso,
Alfonso, Alefonso, Alifonso, Adefonso, Adelfonso, Afonso, Ildefonso. According to other
sources, the name also meant "beloved or favoured". Thus, the Spanish name
"Amado Guerrero" or the phrase "Beloved Warrior" define Alonzo,
Alonso or Alfonso.
The Alonzo Family originated in
Leon, where the Visigoth nobles became established. Originally a given or Christian
name, it was borne by a number of Spanish and Portuguese kings. One of the first
records of its use as a surname is from a Castilian document of the early tenth century.
The first bearers of the surname are believed to be of Gothic origin, being
descended from Desiderio of Teuderio, the nephew of Wamba, seventh century King of Visigoths in Spain,
who founded a house in Valdivieso, in the province of Burgos, around the year of our Lord
672. Those of this name, found in Valencia, are said to be descended from Fernando
Alonso, a member of the Alonso family of the city of Burgos, who took the seat of the
renowned Spanish hero, el Cid, at the "Cortes" of Toledo. One of his
descendants, Manuel de Luca y Alonso, became Judge of Valencia in 1837. It should
be noted however that this name is found in both Spain and Italy (Where it occurs as
Alonso and Alonzo).
In America, records of the name are found in
Mompos (Columbia), where Francisco Alonso de Septien was born in 1660. He became a
knight of the Order of Santiago in 1677.
In the Philippines, Alonzo's are found in the
town of Calamba, Laguna where the family boast to make the best "Arroz de
Valenciana" and "Paella". It is believed that the Alonzo's migrated
to the Philippines originally to the province of Cavite. There are, however, a few
Alonzo's in other provinces as well.
SOURCE: HRC - Historical Research Center, Inc. & Hall of Names International.
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