Discover people named Pura Alvarez

The last name Alvarez is of Spanish origin, derived from the given name "Alvaro," which itself comes from the Gothic name "Alfher," meaning "elf army." The surname is patronymic, indicating "son of Alvaro," and it first appeared in the Iberian Peninsula, particularly in regions such as Castile and León, during the Middle Ages. Historically, those who bore the name were often associated with nobility or landholding families, reflecting a lineage of prominence. Variations of the surname can be found across different cultures and languages, including Alvares in Portuguese-speaking countries and Alvarado in some Spanish-speaking regions, where it may also refer to geographical locations or historical figures. The pronunciation of Alvarez typically follows Spanish phonetics, with the emphasis on the second syllable, and it remains a common surname in Latin America and among Spanish-speaking communities worldwide.