Literary Characters Names, Spanish Names

English and Spanish speaking countries

Of uncertain origin and meaning. The name Elvira might be a Germanic name derived from the elements adal (noble) and wart (guardian). It may also be from the Gothic meaning "all true", or West Gothic for "alert" or "trustworthy". Of Spanish usage, it is also originally believed to be of Arabic origin, meaning "the white". "Amiable" and "friendly" are popular folk definitions of the name. This was the name of several Spanish queens and princesses, and also an older name of the city Granada. The name Elvira is intertwined with the legends concerning Don Juan and probably gained popularity after the premiere of Mozart's opera 'Don Giovanni'. The name was not only used in this musical masterpiece but also in several plays including Molière's 'Dom Juan' in its French form Elvire.