The name Alvaro has its roots in the ancient Germanic languages, derived from the elements "alf" meaning "elf" and "varin" meaning "true" or "honest." It was initially popularized during the Middle Ages in Spain and Portugal, where it developed into the Spanish form "Álvaro" and the Portuguese "Álvaro."

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Alvaro can be found in the 7th century, when it was used by Alvaro of Córdoba, a renowned Christian scholar and theologian from the Iberian Peninsula. In the 9th century, the name gained further prominence with Álvaro Cordobés, a Christian martyr who was executed for his faith during the Muslim conquest of the region.

During the medieval period, the name Alvaro was closely associated with the noble and military classes in Spain and Portugal. Notable historical figures bearing this name include Álvaro de Luna (1388-1453), a powerful Spanish nobleman and royal counselor during the reign of King John II of Castile, and Álvaro Vaz de Almada (c. 1390-1449), a Portuguese explorer and navigator who played a significant role in the early phases of the Portuguese Age of Discovery.

As the Spanish and Portuguese empires expanded, the name Alvaro spread to various parts of the world, particularly Latin America and the Philippines. One of the most renowned individuals with this name was Álvaro de Navia Osorio y Vigil (1687-1752), a Spanish military officer and colonial administrator who served as the Governor-General of the Philippines from 1718 to 1719.

In more recent times, the name Alvaro has continued to be widely used, with several notable figures bearing this moniker. These include Álvaro Uribe (born 1952), a Colombian politician who served as the President of Colombia from 2002 to 2010, and Álvaro Siza Vieira (born 1933), a renowned Portuguese architect and recipient of the prestigious Pritzker Prize in 1992.

Overall, the name Alvaro has a rich historical legacy, with its roots dating back to the early medieval period in the Iberian Peninsula. Despite its ancient origins, it has remained a popular choice throughout the centuries, with numerous influential figures from various fields bearing this name across different parts of the world.