Surname de Silva - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'D'
de Silva: What does the surname de Silva mean?
The last name 'de Silva' is of Portuguese and Spanish origin, and it primarily means 'from the forest'. The name is derived from the Latin word 'silva', which translates to 'forest' or 'woodland'. It was typically used to signify a person who lived near or worked in a forest or woodland. This surname is quite common among people of Portuguese or Spanish descent and is one of the most common surnames in Brazil, Portugal, and Sri Lanka. It is important to note that the spelling may vary, sometimes seen as 'da Silva' or 'DeSilva', but the meaning remains the same. Some people might spell it differently due to regional variations or personal preferences. Over time, this name has spread to many other countries due to colonization and migration. It is definitely a unique surname, deeply rooted in history and geography.
Order DNA origin analysisde Silva: Where does the name de Silva come from?
The surname de Silva originates from Spain and Portugal although it is more frequently associated with Portugal. It is derived from the Latin word “silva” which means “forest'' or “woodland”. As the “de” in the name suggests "from”, the full meaning of the name can be interpreted as “from the forest”. It was typically given to individuals who lived near forests or woodlands.
Today, de Silva is especially common among Portuguese and Spanish descendants living in countries such as Brazil, Portugal, and Spain. Additionally, it has a significant presence in former Portuguese and Spanish colonies in the Americas and Asia, such as the Philippines. Furthermore, it is commonly found in Sri Lanka, as it came into use during the Portuguese colonisation period in the 16th century, where local Sri Lankans adopted it to improve their social status. Although the trend has declined, it is still commonplace. The de Silva surname is quite renowned globally, being the 22nd most common surname in the world.
Variations of the surname de Silva
The surname de Silva has variations due to geographical differences, phonetic spellings, and translations. The origin of the surname is often attributed to Spain and Portugal.
In Spain and Portuguese-speaking countries, it's often spelled as "de Silva," "Da Silva," or simply "Silva". In English-speaking regions, it could be translated as "of the forest," reflecting its etymological roots ("silva" means forest or woodland in Latin). In some cases, it can also be spelled without the "de," resulting in "Silva."
Variations due to phonetic spelling can include "Silba," "Zilva," or "Zylva." There can also be added suffixes such as "Silvano," "Silvan," "Silvano," or "Silveira."
In cases where the surname has been Anglicized, it could turn into "Silver" or "Sylva."
It's important to note that these variations can further diversify depending on the cultural and linguistic context. For instance, in Sri Lanka, the name could be spelled as "de Silva" or "De Silva" without any changes in the pronunciation.
As for surnames of the same origin, some may include "Selva", "Savage" (from the French "sauvage," meaning wild or natural), or "Woods" (an English translation of "silva").
Famous people with the name de Silva
- Anderson de Silva: A Brazilian professional footballer who has played for FC Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain.
- Daniel de Silva: An Australian professional footballer, who currently plays for Central Coast Mariners FC.
- Luis de Silva Jr.: An American actor, best known for his role in the movie "Alpha Dog".
- Ivor de Silva: Sri Lankan educationist and former Director-General of the National Institute of Education.
- Bruno de Silva: A Brazilian professional footballer who currently plays for Yokohama F. Marinos.
- Alexis de Silva: A Mixed Martial Artist from the United States.
- Julian De Silva: A renowned cosmetic surgeon based in London.
- Givanildo Vieira de Souza (Hulk): A Brazilian professional footballer who uses his middle name, he has played for Futebol Clube do Porto and Shanghai SIPG.
- Patricia De Silva: An Italian actress and singer, known for her roles in Italian cinema and television.
- Ethan De Silva: A Rugby Player from England.
- Dagmar de Silva: A former Sri Lankan sprinter who participated in the Asian Games.
- Wendell Silva Soares: Better known as Wendell Lira, a professional Brazilian footballer.