Alonso (disambiguation) – Knowipedia – The Next Generation of Global Knowledge

Definition: Alonso is a name of Spanish origin used both as a given name and a surname. It may refer to various people, places, and cultural references, necessitating disambiguation to clarify its different uses.

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# Alonso (disambiguation)

Alonso is a Spanish name with deep historical and cultural roots, commonly used as both a first name and a surname. Originating from the medieval given name Alfonso, Alonso has been borne by numerous notable individuals across various fields such as sports, literature, politics, and entertainment. Additionally, Alonso appears in geography, literature, and other cultural contexts. This article provides an overview of the different entities and references associated with the name Alonso.

## Origin and Meaning

The name Alonso is derived from the Old Germanic name „Adalfuns,” which means „noble and ready.” It came into the Spanish language through the Visigoths and evolved into various forms including Alfonso and Alonso. Traditionally, Alonso has been popular in Spain and Spanish-speaking countries, and its use has spread worldwide.

## People Named Alonso

### Given Name

Alonso as a first name has been used since the Middle Ages and continues to be popular in Spanish-speaking countries. Many historical and contemporary figures bear this name.

#### Historical Figures

– **Alonso de Ojeda (c. 1466–1515)**: A Spanish explorer and conquistador known for his voyages to the Americas shortly after Christopher Columbus. Ojeda played a role in early exploration of the Caribbean and the northern coast of South America.
– **Alonso Fernández de Lugo (died 1525)**: A Spanish conquistador responsible for the conquest of the Canary Islands, specifically the islands of La Palma and Tenerife.

#### Contemporary Figures

– **Alonso Quijano**: The fictional real name of the main character in Miguel de Cervantes’ novel *Don Quixote*. Though fictional, this name is culturally significant.
– **Alonso Mudarra (c. 1510–1580)**: A Spanish composer and vihuelist from the Renaissance period, known for his contributions to early guitar music.

### Surname

The surname Alonso is widespread in Spanish-speaking countries and among descendants of Spanish immigrants around the world. It is carried by numerous individuals in various domains.

#### Sports

– **Fernando Alonso (born 1981)**: A prominent Spanish Formula One racing driver, two-time World Champion, and one of the most successful drivers in motorsport history. He has competed for top teams such as Renault, Ferrari, and McLaren.
– **Xabi Alonso (born 1981)**: A retired Spanish professional footballer who played as a midfielder for clubs including Liverpool, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich. He is also known for his role in the Spanish national team’s successes in the late 2000s and early 2010s.
– **Javier Alonso (born 1982)**: A Spanish footballer who has played for various clubs in Spain.

#### Arts and Entertainment

– **Luis Alonso (singer) (1897–1982)**: A Mexican operatic tenor known for his contribution to classical music in the 20th century.
– **Isabel Alonso (born 1974)**: A Spanish actress known for her work in film and television.

#### Politics and Academia

– **Alonso de Ercilla (1533–1594)**: A Spanish soldier and poet known for writing *La Araucana*, an epic poem about the Spanish conquest of Chile.
– **José Alonso (multiple individuals)**: Various politicians and academics bear the name José Alonso, highlighting the commonality of the name.

## Places Named Alonso

While Alonso is primarily a personal name, it also appears in geographical contexts, often as part of place names or landmarks.

– **Alonso, Florida**: A small unincorporated community in the United States, though relatively obscure.
– **San Alonso**: The name of several locations in Spanish-speaking countries, often named after saints or historical figures bearing the name Alonso.

## Cultural References

### Literature

– **Alonso Quixano**: As mentioned, this is the real name of Don Quixote, the protagonist of Cervantes’ seminal novel, which is a cornerstone of Western literature. The character’s idealism and tragicomic adventures have made the name Alonso Quixano synonymous with chivalric idealism and delusion.

– **Alonso in Shakespeare’s *The Tempest***: Alonso is the King of Naples in William Shakespeare’s play *The Tempest*. He is a central character involved in the shipwreck that opens the play’s plot and undergoes a significant transformation through the narrative.

### Film and Television

– Characters named Alonso appear in various films and television series, often reflecting Spanish or Hispanic cultural backgrounds.

### Music

– The name Alonso appears in musical compositions and operas, often as characters or thematic references.

## Variations and Related Names

Alonso is closely related to other names such as Alfonso, Alfons, and Alphonso. These names share the same etymological root and have similar meanings tied to nobility and readiness or willingness.

– **Alfonso**: More common as a given name in Spain and Italy, with numerous kings and historical figures bearing this name.
– **Alphonso**: An Anglicized variant often found in English-speaking countries.
– **Alonzo**: A variant spelling more common in English-speaking contexts, particularly in the United States.

## Notable Fictional Characters Named Alonso

– **Alonso Quixano**, as previously mentioned, is the real name of Don Quixote.
– **Alonso (The Tempest)**: A Shakespearean character who is the King of Naples.
– Other minor characters named Alonso appear in various literary works, often reflecting Spanish heritage.

## Usage and Popularity

The use of Alonso as a given name and surname has varied over time and by region. In contemporary Spain and Latin America, Alonso remains a recognizable and respected name. It is often chosen for its historical significance and noble connotations.

### Popularity

– In Spain, Alonso has been used consistently but is less common than Alfonso.
– In Latin American countries, Alonso as a surname is widespread due to Spanish colonization and migration.
– In the United States and other English-speaking countries, Alonso appears predominantly as a surname and occasionally as a given name within Hispanic communities.

## Summary of Key Individuals Named Alonso

## Conclusion

Alonso is a versatile and culturally rich name with historical significance and modern relevance. It functions as both a given name and a surname and appears in various contexts including literature, exploration history, sports, and the arts. Its origins rooted in nobility and readiness continue to influence its use today. Because of its broad application, Alonso is a term requiring disambiguation to clarify its references.

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