Alphonsus

Meaning of Alphonsus

Alphonsus is a masculine given name of Germanic origin, composed of the Old High German elements adal, meaning “noble,” and funs, meaning “ready.” Transmitted into Latin and then into the Romance languages, it surfaces in Italian as al-FOHN-soos and in Spanish as al-FON-soos, while in English it is typically pronounced al-FON-sus. The name carries historical weight through its association with Saint Alphonsus Liguori (1696–1787), founder of the Redemptorist order, and other notable figures in theology and literature. In the United States, Alphonsus has remained exceptionally rare in the modern era—fewer than ten births per year—resulting in a current ranking near the 900th position. This scarcity contributes to its distinctive character: it is unlikely to be overheard on the playground, yet it offers parents a dignified, time-honored choice with a decidedly classical pedigree.