Last Name Da-silva-barreto

The surname "da Silva Barreto" is a Portuguese name composed of multiple elements that reflect its history and origins. 1. "Silva" is a common Portuguese surname that comes from the occupation of a forest ranger or someone who lived near a wooded area, as "sylva" is Latin for "forest". 2. "Barreto" is another Portuguese surname with various origins, but it is often associated with occupations such as barrel-maker (barril in Portuguese) or a native of Barretos, a city in São Paulo, Brazil. The combination "da Silva" and "Barreto" indicates that the person with this name may have either been a forest ranger who became a barrel-maker or migrated from Portugal to Brazil. The addition of "de" (of) before "Silva" is common in Portuguese surnames, indicating noble or aristocratic descent, but it is not essential for all bearers of the name.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Da-silva-barreto

The meaning and origin of the last name Da-silva-barreto

The surname Da Silva Barreto is a Portuguese composite name, derived from two separate elements: Da Silva and Barreto.

"Da Silva" translates to "of the silver" or "from the silver", originating from a nickname given to someone who worked with or was associated with silver. The surname has been common among people living in regions of Portugal where mining or trading of silver was prevalent.

"Barreto", on the other hand, is a topographical name, indicating an individual who lived near a barrier or gate. It could also be derived from a type of tree known as "barroteiro," which was used for fencing. The Barreto surname has its roots in various regions across Portugal and Brazil.

When combined, the surname Da Silva Barreto signifies an individual who may have lived near a silver mine or a gate, or could have had professional connections to both. Over time, this name has been carried by individuals of Portuguese descent across the world, particularly due to historical migrations like colonization and trade.

Geographical distribution of the last name Da-silva-barreto

The surname da Silva Barreto is predominantly found in Portuguese-speaking countries, particularly Brazil and Portugal. In Brazil, it ranks among the top 50 most common surnames, reflecting its historical roots there. It is also present in other Portuguese-speaking African nations due to migration during the colonization period. In Portugal, the name has a more scattered distribution but is still found in several regions, especially those with significant immigration from Brazil. Beyond these countries, da Silva Barreto can be traced among Portuguese and Brazilian diaspora communities worldwide.

Variants and spellings of the last name Da-silva-barreto

The surname Da Silva Barreto has several variations and spellings due to differences in regional pronunciation and transcription over time. Some common forms include: DaSilvaBarreto, DaSilva Barreto, Dasilva-Barreto, D'Silva-Barreto, De Silva Barreto, and Da Silva Barretto. The hyphenated form (DaSilva-Barreto) is commonly used to maintain the original Portuguese structure of two surnames, where the first surname (Da Silva) is a patronymic derived from the father's name, and the second (Barreto) is an occupational surname. The absence or addition of spaces, apostrophes, or accents can also alter the spelling, such as DASILVA-BARRETO, D'Silva Barretto, Da Silva Barreto, or Da Silva Barretto.

Famous people with the last name Da-silva-barreto

Notable individuals with the combined surname Da Silva Barreto include:

1. José Carlos da Silva Barreto (born 1943), a Brazilian diplomat and former Permanent Representative of Brazil to the United Nations.
2. Marcos DaSilva Barreto (born 1986), a Brazilian professional footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for Coritiba.
3. Luciana da Silva Barreto (born 1970), a Brazilian actress known for her role in the soap opera "Malhação" and the film "O Auto da Compadecida".
4. Ana Carolina da Silva Barreto (1981-2016), a Brazilian singer who achieved success in the late 1990s with hits like "Vai Murder", "Caso de Alguém" and "Dancando Olhar por Dentro".
5. Thiago Da Silva Barreto (born 1984), a Brazilian footballer who plays as a defender for Botafogo.
6. Renata da Silva Barreto (born 1972), a Brazilian actress known for her role in the soap opera "Avenida Brasil".

These individuals have made significant contributions to their respective fields, including diplomacy, sports, and entertainment.

Genealogical research on the last name Da-silva-barreto

The surname da-Silva-Barreto originates from Portugal, with roots traced back to the medieval period. The name comprises two elements: "da Silva" and "Barreto". "Da Silva" is a common Portuguese patronymic that originated from the occupation of a silviculturist or forest worker, while "Barreto" means 'barrier' or 'obstacle', possibly indicating an individual who lived near a barrier or obstruction.

Over time, the da-Silva-Barreto family dispersed due to various factors such as migrations and colonial expansion. In Portugal, some branches of the family settled in the northern regions like Minho and Douro, while others migrated overseas during the Age of Discoveries, establishing settlements in Brazil, Africa, and Asia.

Notable figures bearing this surname include Pedro da Silva Barreto, a 17th-century Portuguese Jesuit missionary who worked extensively in Japan, and José Augusto da Silva Barreto, a prominent Brazilian journalist, writer, and historian of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "da-silva-barreto"
• 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 : 31 July 2025

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