Origin and Meaning of Alves

Noble or elvish

Origin: Portuguese - Alves is a patronymic surname derived from the first name Álvaro, which itself comes from the Gothic name Alvār, meaning 'elf' or 'noble'.

• Alves is commonly used as both a surname and a given name in Portuguese-speaking countries, especially Brazil and Portugal.
• In some regions, the name Alves can also be found in Spain and English-speaking countries due to migration and cultural exchange.
• Notable bearers of the name include famous footballers such as Dani Alves, who has had a significant impact in professional soccer.
• Alves is not as commonly used as a first name compared to its prevalence as a last name; it has seen some popularity in Brazil since the late 20th century.
• Variations and similar names include Álvaro, Alva, and Alviro.