Last Name Da-silva-perestrelo

The surname "da Silva-Perestrelo" is a Portuguese name that can be traced back to medieval Portugal. The first part, "da Silva", is one of the most common surnames in Portugal and is derived from a place name, referring to someone who originated from a region with silva (forest) or silveira (silver-bearing). The second part, "Perestrelo", is less common but also has geographical origins. It likely comes from the town of Perestrello in the district of Aveiro, Portugal. The name might have been given to someone who was originally from these places or belonged to the families that inhabited these areas during the Middle Ages. However, it is essential to note that surnames can have multiple origins and variations due to migration, historical events, and record-keeping inconsistencies. For a more accurate and detailed explanation, further research into genealogical records might be necessary.

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

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

The surname "da Silva Perestrelo" is a Portuguese name, originating from the Iberian Peninsula, specifically Portugal. The name is composed of three elements: "Silva", which means 'forest' or 'wood', "Peres" (or "Perestrelo"), which means 'pear tree', and the suffix "da" or "do", indicating noble lineage. The da Silva family originally took the surname from a specific location where they lived, likely a forested area with a prominent pear tree. Over time, as Portuguese explorers and colonizers spread throughout the world, variations of this name were adopted by descendants in different countries. The Perestrelo branch is believed to have derived from colonists who settled along the coast of Africa during the Age of Discoveries, contributing to Portugal's maritime expansion and exploration.

Geographical distribution of the last name Da-silva-perestrelo

The surname da-Silva-Perestrelo is predominantly distributed across Portugal and its former colonies, particularly Brazil, Angola, Mozambique, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, Sao Tome and Principe, and Goa (India). This name is derived from the Portuguese language and translates to "Silver Star," reflecting its origins in medieval Portugal. In Brazil, it ranks among the top 100 most common surnames due to a significant Portuguese migration during colonial times. The dispersal of this name throughout former Portuguese colonies demonstrates the historical influence of Portugal beyond its borders. Additionally, small numbers of individuals bearing this surname can be found in other countries with Portuguese-speaking communities or historical ties to Portugal.

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

The surname Da Silva Perestrelo has several variations and spellings. Some common versions include: Da Silva Pereira, DaSilvaPerestrelo, DaSilva Pereztrero, D'Silva Perestrela, D'Souza Perestrelo, da Silveira Perestrelo, da Silva y Perestrelo, and da Silva Perezterlo. These variations may arise due to differences in transliteration from Portuguese to English, regional dialects, or individual preferences in spelling. It is essential to understand that while the spelling may differ, the underlying meaning of the name remains consistent. The name Da Silva Perestrelo translates to "Silver of the Cross" in English, symbolizing a rich heritage and history.

Famous people with the last name Da-silva-perestrelo

Notable individuals bearing the surname da Silva Pereira, often anglicized to da-Silva-Perestrelo, include Pedro Álvares Cabral (1467-1520), a Portuguese explorer who is credited with discovering Brazil for Portugal in 1500. Another notable figure is Vasco da Gama (1469-1524), an important navigator and military officer, known as the first European to reach India by sea. He played a key role in establishing a direct water route from Europe to Asia, paving the way for Portuguese trade expansion during the Age of Discovery. Ferdinand Magellan (1480-1521), also known as Fernão de Magalhães, was a Portuguese explorer who led the first expedition to circumnavigate the globe between 1519 and 1522, albeit he did not survive the voyage himself. These three da Silvas Pereiras made significant contributions to world exploration and European colonization during the early modern era.

Genealogical research on the last name Da-silva-perestrelo

The surname da-Silva-Perestrelo originates from the Iberian Peninsula, specifically Portugal, where it can be traced back to the Middle Ages. The name "da Silva" translates to "of the forest," indicating an ancestor who lived in a forested area, while "Perestrelo" is thought to be of Germanic origin, meaning "stone field." Combined, da-Silva-Perestrelo represents a family with roots deeply embedded in both Portuguese and potentially Germanic history. The name's earliest recorded occurrence dates back to the 16th century, during the Age of Discoveries when many Portuguese families, including those bearing this surname, embarked on voyages and colonization efforts. This dispersal led to the establishment of da-Silva-Perestrelo lineages in various regions, particularly in Brazil, Angola, and Goa (India), where their influence can still be observed today.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "da-silva-perestrelo"
• 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 : 15 June 2025

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