Alvarez History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The mountainous borders of Spain contain the origins of the prestigious surname Alvarez. The earliest forms of hereditary surnames in Spain were the patronymic surnames, which are derived from the father’s given name, and metronymic surnames, which are derived from the mother’s given name. Spanish patronymic names emerged as early as the mid-9th century and the most common patronymic suffix is ez. The patronyms were derived from a variety of given names that were of many different origins. Some names are derived from the saints of the Christian Church, but many Spanish surnames are derived from personal names of Germanic origin. The Visigoths, who ruled Spain between the mid-5th and early 8th centuries had a profound impact on the development of surnames. The name Alvarez is derived from the baptismal name Alvaro. The surname originally referred to one who was faithful and honest. 

Early Origins of the Alvarez family

The surname Alvarez was first found in Castile, where the name originated in Visigothic times.

Early History of the Alvarez family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Alvarez research.

Alvarez Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Alvarez, Albaraz, Alvaroz, Albaroiz, Alvariz, Alvares, Alvar and many more.

Early Notables of the Alvarez family (pre 1700)

Prominent among members of the family were Pedro and Garcia Alvarez, knights in the service of King Alfonso VI in 1101; Alfonso Alvarez de Villasandino and Juan Alvarez Gato, fifteenth century poets; Fadrique Alvarez de Toledo, Duke of Alba, who fought for Ferdinand and Isabella during the conquest of Granada; Hernando Alvarez de Toledo, Notary to Ferdinand and Isabella.

Alvarez World Ranking

In the United States, the name Alvarez is the 220^th most popular surname with an estimated 119,376 people with that name. [1] However, in France, the name Alvarez is ranked the 662^ndmost popular surname with an estimated 7,169 people with that name. [2] And in South America, the name Alvarez is the 8^th popular surname with an estimated 295 people with that name. [3]

 Alvarez migration to the United States +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were: 

Alvarez Settlers in United States in the 16th Century

• Anton Alvarez, who settled in America in 1512
• Alonso Alvarez, who arrived in America in 1528
• Ana Alvarez, who settled in America in 1535
• Ana Rodriguez Alvarez, who settled in Peru in 1567
• Andres Alvarez, who settled in New Granada in 1567