Alvarez

Patronymic

Meaning

Son of Álvaro, a Germanic name meaning 'elf warrior'.

Etymology

Derived from the Visigothic personal name Álvaro, composed of elements meaning 'elf' and 'warrior'. The suffix -ez (or -es) indicates patronymic descent in Spanish naming conventions.

About the Alvarez Surname

One of the most common Spanish surnames, Alvarez has been documented since medieval times in Castile and Asturias. The name spread extensively through Spanish colonization and immigration to the Americas.

Distribution

Primarily found in Spain and throughout Spanish-speaking Latin America.