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Last Name Camargo-da-silva

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

The surname Camargo-da-Silva is a Portuguese patronymic, meaning it originates from Portugal. The "Camargo" part of the name is derived from a place name, referring to a location in northern Portugal. "Da Silva" is one of the most common surnames in Portugal and other Portuguese-speaking countries, denoting someone who was the son of a man named Silva (which means 'forest' or 'oak grove' in Portuguese). Together, Camargo-da-Silva denotes an individual who was either born in Camargo and had a father named Silva, or who came from a family with origins in Camargo and the surname Silva. It should be noted that, like many surnames, this one may have been altered slightly during migration or over time due to factors such as language changes, regional dialects, or errors in transcription.

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

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

The surname Camargo-da-Silva is a Portuguese-Brazilian name that is composed of two distinct elements: Camargo and da Silva. The term "Camargo" is of uncertain origin, but it is believed to have derived from the Latin 'Campus Martius', meaning 'field of Mars' - a reference to an open or marshy area where soldiers trained in ancient Rome. The name may have been given to someone who lived near such an area or possessed qualities associated with the god Mars.

On the other hand, "da Silva" is a common Portuguese surname that originated from the occupation of a silviculturist, or a person responsible for managing and cultivating wooded areas. The term 'silva' means forest in Portuguese, hence 'da Silva' translates to 'of the forest'. Over time, these occupational names have been passed down through generations, with many individuals bearing them today in regions that were once predominantly rural and heavily forested. The compound name Camargo-da-Silva signifies a family with roots in both the agricultural fields and the wooded areas of ancient Portugal or its colonies.

Geographical distribution of the last name Camargo-da-silva

The surname Camargo-da-Silva has its origin in Portugal and Brazil, reflecting the historical ties between these two countries. In Portugal, it is predominantly found in the northern regions, particularly Minho and Trás-os-Montes, as well as in some coastal areas. This is due to the migration patterns from these areas to the colonies, such as Brazil.

In Brazil, Camargo-da-Silva is more widespread across several states, notably in Rio Grande do Norte, Piauí, Ceará, and Paraná. The high frequency in these regions can be attributed to the early colonization efforts by Portuguese settlers. However, due to subsequent internal migration, it can also be found in major urban centers like São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and Brasília. The name's geographical distribution thus reflects a rich history of Portuguese immigration to Brazil.

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

The surname Camargo da Silva can have various spellings and variations due to differences in transcription and regional pronunciation. Some common variations include:

* Camargo da Silva
* Camargo da Silva Santos
* Camargo da Silva Lima
* Camargo da Silveira
* Camargos da Silva
* Cámargo da Silva
* Kamergo da Silva (Portuguese diaspora)
* Câmarao da Silva (nickname for someone with a crab-like appearance, often found in Brazil)

The variations may also depend on the country or region where the surname is used. In some cases, the name may be hyphenated, have additional letters, or be spelled without diacritical marks. It's essential to keep these variations in mind when searching for records related to this surname.

Famous people with the last name Camargo-da-silva

Notable individuals bearing the surname Camargo da Silva include:

1. José de Anchieta (1534-1597), a Jesuit priest and missionary, considered the co-founder of São Paulo, Brazil, and one of the most significant figures in the early history of Brazilian literature.

2. Alceu Amoroso Lima (1865-1905), a prominent Brazilian poet, known for his Modernist poetry which reflected social issues and his indigenous roots.

3. Sérgio Camargo (1930-2010), a notable Brazilian artist, best known for his geometric abstract paintings that have been exhibited globally.

4. José Camargo (born 1954), a Brazilian businessman and founder of the Votorantim Group, one of the largest private conglomerates in Latin America, with operations in various sectors including steel, energy, cement, and real estate.

These individuals have made significant contributions to their respective fields, leaving lasting impacts on Brazilian culture and beyond.

Genealogical research on the last name Camargo-da-silva

The surname Camargo-da-Silva originates from Portugal and Spain, where it is thought to have emerged during the Middle Ages. The Camargo part of the name is associated with several locations in northern Portugal, suggesting it may have been a locational surname derived from a place named "Camargo." The da-Silva element is more common in Portugal and refers to a person who was originally a servant or vassal of the Silva family. This compound surname, Camargo-da-Silva, indicates that an individual was once attached to the Silva household as a servant or tenant. The name was subsequently brought to Brazil by Portuguese explorers and colonizers in the 16th century, where it remains widely distributed today. Notable individuals with this surname include Camilo Castelo Branco, a Portuguese novelist, and Francisco José de Camargo Barros, a Brazilian military officer and politician.

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 : 15 June 2025

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