Álvaro de Mendaña de Neira

Álvaro de Mendaña y Neira was a Spanish navigator, explorer, and cartographer, best known for two of the earliest recorded expeditions across the Pacific Ocean in 1567 and 1595. His voyages led to the discovery of the Marquesas, Cook Islands, and Solomons among other archipelagos. Born in Congosto, in El Bierzo Region (León), he was the nephew of Lope García de Castro, viceroy of Peru.

1 October 1542

Born on the same birth day (1 October): André Rieu • Arnau Riera • Bonnie and Clyde • Brian P. Cleary • Cahal Daly • Isaac Bonewits • Jimmy Carter • Joe Keith • Jurnee Smollett • Luigi Guido Grandi • Marc Savoy • Mark Švets • Mary Anna Custis Lee • Matt Cain • Nick Graham (rugby league) • Ori Kaplan • Phil de Glanville • William Shippen Sr.

Born in the same month (October 1542): Akbar • Henriette of Cleves • Philip IV, Count of Nassau-Weilburg • Robert Bellarmine