My last name is Alfaro, but I don't know where it's from and what it means.?

Answer 1

I used google, and found:

http://genforum.genealogy.com/alfaro/messages/17.html
In the first place I ask for forgiveness for this automatic translation, but you not to speak English.
The word Alfaro comes from Arabic and it means sentry or tower of surveillance. Their origin is of the time of the Arab dominance of Spain.

Answer 2

Ancestry.Com shows the following given as place of origin for Alfaro immigrants to the U. S.

Spain 9

Cuba 6

Costa Rica 5

Columbia 3

Mexico 3

Nicaragua 3

They show its meaning is a Spanish habitational name from a place in Lagrona province named Alfaro. apparently from the Arabic al 'the' and old Spanish faro 'beacon or lighthouse'

In 1920 Texas had the most people with the name Alfaro. Who knows how many crossed over or swam over from south of the border or they might have been among the Spanish colonials living in Texas long before the gringos came.

The same surname can come from more than one nationality. Not everyone with the same surname is related. The best thing for you to do is to trace your heritage starting with yourself and work back. Anytime you wish to do this, there are lots of good people on this board that can give you some great tips and advice. Just ask.

Also, don't be led astray by the peddlers of surname products. See the link below

http://www.ngsgenealogy.org/comconsumerpsst.cfm

Answer 3

Many ancient Spanish names will have migrated to different places. Some of those are really intriguing (ie Arabic?), but I always think it is more personal and accurate to trace your actual ancestry. Thus, in one way, your immediate ancestors might have come through Mexico (or?), even if the name itself works back to somewhere in the "old" world.
Another reason for my thinking is that sometimes, in the course of research, persons occasionally will find that one of the ancestors was either adopted, or for other reasons, had another name.
http://genforum.genealogy.com/alfaro/messages/32.html
and one more explanation (basically supporting some of the others).

Answer 4

Alfaro is Hispanic.