Last Name Carvalho-da-silva

Carvalho-da-Silva is a Portuguese surname that can be traced back to the Middle Ages. The name consists of two parts: "Carvalho" and "da Silva." "Carvalho" is derived from the Portuguese word for 'oak tree' or 'wood' (carvalho in modern Portuguese), which was often a topographic surname indicating that an individual lived near an oak grove. "Da Silva" means 'of the silva' or 'of the forest,' and it was also a topographic name, referring to someone who lived on or near a forested area. The 'de,' 'da,' or 'do' prefix in Portuguese surnames denotes "from" or "belonging to." The combination of Carvalho-da-Silva may have been formed over time as the bearers of these two distinct surnames intermarried, forming a compound surname that distinguishes them from others with similar surnames. The name is relatively common in Portugal and Brazil.

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

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

The surname Carvalho-da-Silva is a Portuguese compound name derived from two separate elements: Carvalho, meaning 'walnut tree' or 'oak tree', and da Silva, which translates to 'of the silveira (silver) grove'. This surname likely originated during the Middle Ages when Portugal was under Moorish rule. During this period, many Portuguese people adopted Arabic-sounding names, which were later Christianized as the country reclaimed its lands from the Moors. The name Carvalho-da-Silva may have been given to distinguish individuals with similar names during this era, or it could have emerged as a way for families to demonstrate their Christian identity. Today, Carvalho-da-Silva is one of the most common surnames in Portugal and Brazil.

Geographical distribution of the last name Carvalho-da-silva

The surname Carvalho-da-Silva is predominantly found in Portugal and its diaspora communities, primarily in Brazil, due to historical events such as colonization and migration. Within Portugal, it is most prevalent in the northern regions, particularly in Porto, Braga, and Vila Real, reflecting a concentration of Moorish ancestry in these areas following the Reconquista. In Brazil, Carvalho-da-Silva is commonly found in the states of Bahia, Minas Gerais, Rio de Janeiro, and São Paulo, where Portuguese immigrants settled during the colonial period and later waves of migration. Additionally, the name has been spread to other parts of the world through Portuguese exploration and subsequent emigration, with notable communities in Angola, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, and Goa (India), among others.

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

The surname Carvalho-da-Silva has several variations due to differences in spelling conventions and transliteration across languages. Here are some of its known variations:

1. Carvalho da Silva (Portuguese, most common)
2. Carvalho da Silva Leite (with an additional family name)
3. Carvalho-Silva (shortened version, also Portuguese)
4. Cavaleiro de Carvalho da Silva (a noble title variation in Portuguese)
5. Carvalho Silveira (a possible misspelling or variant)
6. Carvalhodasilva (in some digital formats where hyphenation rules may differ)
7. Carvalho-daSilva (alternative hyphenation, also in digital formats)
8. Carvahlo-da-Silva (occasional misspellings)
9. Karvalho da Silva (Portuguese diacritic marks omitted)
10. Kervalho da Silva (possibly a phonetic spelling)

While these variations may exist, it's essential to note that the original Portuguese spelling Carvalho da Silva is considered correct according to standard Portuguese orthography and should be used when possible for accuracy and respect towards the name's cultural origins.

Famous people with the last name Carvalho-da-silva

Carvalho-da-Silva is a Portuguese surname that has been associated with several notable individuals across various fields. One of the most prominent figures is José Sérgio Carvalho da Silva, a Brazilian jurist who served as Minister of Justice and Minister of the Federal Court in the 1980s. In the realm of sports, there's Paulo Carvalho da Silva, a former professional footballer who played for clubs such as Sporting CP and Benfica. In academia, Maria da Conceição Carvalho da Silva is a renowned Brazilian geographer known for her research on urbanization and spatial planning. Lastly, in the artistic sphere, there's the Portuguese actor and singer Filipe Carvalho da Silva, who gained fame for his roles in several Portuguese television series and films. These individuals have made significant contributions to their respective fields and are notable bearers of the surname Carvalho-da-Silva.

Genealogical research on the last name Carvalho-da-silva

The surname Carvalho-da-Silva originates from Portugal and is composed of two distinct elements: Carvalho, meaning "little oak tree" or "charcoal burner," and da Silva, which translates to "of the forest" or "of the shrubbery."

The Carvalhos are an ancient Portuguese family, with origins traced back to the Moorish invasions in the 8th century. The name Silva is believed to have been adopted by numerous Iberian families to distinguish themselves from their Muslim conquerors, who often used the surname Al-Habibi (meaning "the beloved one") as a form of enslavement.

The Carvalho-da-Silva lineage can be found in various regions of Portugal, with notable concentrations in Minho, Trás-os-Montes, and Lisbon. Portuguese explorers, politicians, and military leaders have carried the name throughout history, such as Alvaro Carvalho da Silva, a renowned 16th-century navigator who served under Vasco da Gama.

During the Age of Discovery, numerous Carvalho-da-Silvas emigrated to Brazil and other Portuguese colonies, contributing to the diverse cultural tapestry of Latin America. Today, the name is prevalent in Brazil, Portugal, Cape Verde, Angola, Mozambique, and Goa (India), reflecting its historical influence and expansion.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "carvalho-da-silva"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

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 : 30 July 2025

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