The name Alfonza is derived from the Spanish and Portuguese name Alfonso, which itself has roots in the Germanic name Alfuns. This name is a compound formed by the elements "alf" meaning "elf" and "funz" meaning "ready for battle" or "eager for combat".

Alfonso was first recorded in the 8th century as the name of a Visigothic king who ruled parts of the Iberian Peninsula. It later became a popular name among Spanish and Portuguese royalty, with several kings bearing the name throughout the Middle Ages.

One of the earliest recorded bearers of the name Alfonza was Alfonza of Castile, a 12th-century Spanish noblewoman and member of the House of Burgundy. Her full name was Alfonza García de Castilla, and she was known for her involvement in the power struggles between the kingdoms of Castile and León.

In the 13th century, the name Alfonza was also borne by Alfonza Rodríguez, a Galician noblewoman who was a powerful landowner and patron of the arts. She is known for commissioning the construction of several churches and monasteries in the region.

Jumping ahead to the 16th century, Alfonza de Ávila was a Spanish Catholic nun and mystic who founded the Order of the Conception of Our Lady. She was born in 1499 and is remembered for her contributions to religious reform and spirituality.

Another notable bearer of the name was Alfonza Martínez de Toledo, a 17th-century Spanish playwright and poet. She was born in 1635 and is known for her works that explored themes of love, passion, and societal norms.

In the 19th century, Alfonza María Muñoz was a Cuban writer and journalist who was active in the Cuban independence movement. She was born in 1852 and used her writing to advocate for women's rights and social justice.

While the name Alfonza has its roots in Spanish and Portuguese cultures, it has been adopted and used in various parts of the world throughout history, reflecting the influence of these cultures on different regions and communities.