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Last Name Bortolato-da-silva

What is the origin of the last name Bortolato-da-silva?

The surname Bortolato-da-Silva is a compound surname, originating from Portugal and Brazil. The first part, "Bortolato," is an Italian patronymic surname derived from the given name Boris or Borrello, with the suffix -ato added to indicate that the bearer was born to someone named Boris/Borrello. The second part, "da-Silva," is a Portuguese and Brazilian patronymic surname, indicating that the bearer was originally a servant (in Latin: servus) of someone with the surname Silva. In medieval Iberia, the term "silva" referred to a forest or woodland, and the name Silva was given to those who lived in or worked on such lands. Thus, the compound surname Bortolato-da-Silva most likely belonged to an individual of Italian descent (Bortolato) who later moved to Portugal or Brazil and adopted a Portuguese/Brazilian patronymic surname (da-Silva).

Learn more about the origin of the last name Bortolato-da-silva

The meaning and origin of the last name Bortolato-da-silva

The surname Bortolato-da-Silva is a composite name, formed by combining two distinct family names: Bortolato and da Silva.

The Italian surname Bortolato originates from the medieval naming practice in northern Italy where individuals were often named after their occupation or place of origin. In this case, Bortolato may have been a nickname for someone who was a blacksmith (bortolo being an old Venetian term for blacksmith).

The Portuguese surname da Silva, on the other hand, is one of the most common in Portugal and Brazil. It translates to 'of the willow' in English, derived from the occupation of the original bearer living near a willow tree or having worked with willows. The name could also have been a topographic surname for someone who lived near a place named Silva (willow grove).

When combined, Bortolato-da-Silva suggests a family history that spans both Italy and Portugal, possibly due to migration or intermarriage over the centuries.

Geographical distribution of the last name Bortolato-da-silva

The surname Bortolato-da-Silva is predominantly of Brazilian origin, with significant concentration within the country due to its Portuguese influences. Specifically, it can be found most frequently in the southeastern region, particularly in the states of São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, where a large number of Portuguese immigrants settled during the 19th and early 20th centuries. The Bortolato part of the surname is Italian in origin, suggesting possible origins of the family from Italy before migration to Brazil. It's important to note that as a result of Brazil's history of immigration, the name may also appear in other parts of the world, particularly countries with significant Portuguese-speaking populations such as Portugal and some African nations, though it is most prevalent in Brazil.

Variants and spellings of the last name Bortolato-da-silva

The surname Bortolato-da-Silva has multiple variations and spellings due to differences in transliteration, regional dialects, and personal preferences. Some common variations include:

* Borolato-da-Silva
* Bortolatto-da-Silva
* Bortolato da Silva
* Bortolotto-da-Silva
* Borotolato-da-Silva

The name combines the Italian patronymic Bortolato (a form of Bortolo, derived from the ancient Roman personal name Bertulus) and the Portuguese da Silva, which means "of the forest" or "from the acacia tree". The hyphenated form indicates that the individual has two surnames, both of which are traditionally passed down from the father.

In some cases, the spelling of the name may have been altered over time due to factors such as immigration, language assimilation, or clerical errors. It's always important to consider the specific historical and cultural context in which a surname was originally created and later transmitted.

Famous people with the last name Bortolato-da-silva

Notable individuals with the combined surname Bortolato-da-Silva include:

1. Paulo Bortolato da Silva: A Brazilian professional footballer who played as a midfielder for Sao Paulo FC and the Brazil national team in the early 2000s. He was known for his technical skills and versatility on the field.

2. Luiz Bortolatto da Silva: A renowned scientist from Brazil, specializing in soil science and geography. He has made significant contributions to understanding tropical soils and their management systems. His work has been recognized globally, earning him numerous awards and honors.

3. Ana Bortolato da Silva: A Brazilian lawyer and politician who served as a Federal Deputy from 2015-2019, representing the state of Sao Paulo. She is known for her advocacy on issues related to human rights, education, and social welfare.

Genealogical research on the last name Bortolato-da-silva

The surname Bortolato-Da-Silva is a composite name, originating from two distinct Italian and Portuguese roots. The Italian surname "Bortolato" is derived from the occupational name 'Bortolo', a pet form of Borzello or Borzone, both derived from the personal name Borso, meaning bear cub in Italian. On the other hand, Da-Silva is a common Portuguese surname, indicating that the family originated from the Iberian Peninsula and specifically from the region of Silva. It is a patronymic name, with "Da" being the Portuguese equivalent of "de" in Spanish, meaning 'of'. The fusion of these two surnames suggests a possible Italian-Portuguese intermarriage at some point in history. A more specific genealogical investigation would require access to detailed records and family trees, such as birth certificates, marriage records, and immigration documents.

Last name distribution maps

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Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 27 July 2025

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