This Spanish name of ALFONSO was originally from a Germanic personal name ADAFUNS (composed of the elements ADAL meaning 'noble' and FUNS 'ready'). This name was especially popular among the Visigoths and Langobards, and was later taken by a number of kings of Spain in the form Alfonso. In Spain identifying patronymics are to be found as early as the mid-9th century, but these changed with each generation, and hereditary surnames seem to have come in slightly later in Spain than in England and France. As well as the names of the traditional major saints of the Christian Church, many of the most common Spanish surnames are derived from personal names of Germanic origin. For the most part these names are characteristically Hispanic. They derive from the language of the Visigoths, who controlled Spain between the mid-5th and early 8th centuries. In the 8th century, Spain fell under the control of the Moors, and this influence, which lasted into the 12th century, has also left its mark on Hispanic surnames. A few names are based directly on Arabic personal names. The majority of Spanish occupational and nickname surnames, however, are based on ordinary Spanish derivatives. A noteworthy person of this name was Mateo ALONSO (1878-1955) the Argentinian sculptor, best known for his statue of 'Christ the Redeemer' erected in 1904 at the top of the Uspallata Pass in the Andes. Another notable member of the name was Damaso ALONSO (1898-1900) the Spanish poet and philologist, born in Madrid where he studied before travelling widely in Europe and America as teacher and lecturer. He became professor of romance philology at Madrid University. He published poetry of which 'Hijos de la Ira' is the best known. It is religious in inspiration, powerful and emotional in expression. The lion depicted in the arms is the noblest of all wild beasts which is made to be the emblem of strength and valour, and is on that account the most frequently borne in Coat-Armour.