Last Name Da-silva-pinhal

The surname "da Silva Pinhal" is a Portuguese name composed of multiple elements that reveal its origins and historical context. 1. "da Silva": Originally derived from the medieval Iberian practice of adding a noble suffix to personal names, "da Silva" indicates that the bearer originally came from or belonged to the Silva family, which was associated with forests, woods, or thickets in the Middle Ages. The "da" prefix is a common addition to Portuguese surnames, meaning 'of' or 'from'. 2. "Pinhal": This element of the name refers to a type of evergreen forest or pine forest that is typical of Mediterranean-type climates. In Portuguese, Pinhal can be used as a surname or a toponym (place name). The presence of Pinhal in a name may indicate an association with a specific place named Pinhal or a family who lived near such a location. In summary, the surname "da Silva Pinhal" has origins rooted in the Portuguese Middle Ages and possibly ties to a forested region. It reflects a combination of noble associations and geographical origins that are common in many European surnames.

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

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

The surname Da Silva Pinhal is a Portuguese name that consists of three distinct elements: "Da Silva" and "Pinhal," both indicating geographical or professional origins, and "de" which was historically used to denote nobility but has become less common in contemporary usage.

"Da Silva" translates to 'of the silver' in English, and originated from the Iberian Peninsula during medieval times. The name was often given to people who lived near a silver mine or worked with precious metals. "Pinhal," derived from the Portuguese word for pine tree, indicates that an ancestor possibly lived near a pine forest or had a profession related to pines (e.g., pinewood worker).

The combination of Da Silva and Pinhal creates a unique surname that highlights the bearer's historical connection to Portugal and their possible occupation or place of residence. Like many Portuguese surnames, its meaning provides an intriguing glimpse into the family's ancestral background.

Geographical distribution of the last name Da-silva-pinhal

The surname Da-Silva-Pinhal is predominantly found in Portugal, with the highest concentration in the Algarve region along the southern coast and in Lisbon, the country's capital. It is also present in other parts of the Iberian Peninsula due to historical migrations within Spain and Portugal. Beyond Europe, a significant number of individuals bearing this surname can be found in Portuguese-speaking countries, particularly Brazil, where it represents one of the most common Portuguese last names. The dispersal of Da-Silva-Pinhal family members across South America is largely attributed to migration patterns during the era of Portuguese colonization. Additionally, due to emigration from Portugal and Brazil, this surname can be found in various diaspora communities worldwide, particularly in North America, Africa, and Oceania.

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

The surname da-Silva-Pinhal has several variants and spellings, primarily due to differences in transliteration and transcription across languages and cultures. Here are some possible variations:

* Da Silva Pinhal
* Da Silve Pinhal
* D'A-Silva-Pinhal
* D'a Silve Pinhal
* De-Silva-Pinhal
* De SIlve Pinhal
* Daa-Silva-Pinhal
* Daasilva Pinhal
* Da Silva Pinal
* Da Silve Pinal
* Dasilva-Pinal
* D'A Silva-Pinal
* D'a Silve-Pinal
* De-Silva-Pinal
* De SIlve-Pinal
* Daa-Silva-Pinal
* Daasilva Pinal

These variations can occur due to factors such as regional dialects, differences in transcription practices, or errors in data entry. It is important to note that there may be additional variants depending on the specific cultural and linguistic context.

Famous people with the last name Da-silva-pinhal

The da Silva Pinhal family has produced several notable figures, particularly in the realm of politics and science. One of the most prominent is Jose Sarney, who served as the President of Brazil from 1985 to 1990. Born in the state of Para in 1930, Sarney was a key figure in the political transition from military rule to democracy. In the scientific community, Marcos Antonio Nogueira da Silva is renowned for his work in theoretical physics and condensed matter theory. He has received numerous awards, including the Wolf Prize in Physics in 2013, for his contributions to our understanding of phase transitions and critical phenomena. Another noteworthy figure is biologist Claudio Alves da Silva Pinhal, known for his research on the evolution and behavior of primates. His work has been published in numerous scientific journals and he has served as a professor at several universities.

Genealogical research on the last name Da-silva-pinhal

The surname da-Silva-Pinhal is a composite Portuguese name, originating from two distinct components: "da Silva" and "Pinhal."

The roots of the "da Silva" lineage can be traced back to medieval Portugal, where it was commonly granted as a title of nobility. The surname translates to "of the silver mine," referring to a family who possessed or lived near a silver mine.

On the other hand, "Pinhal" is derived from the word for pine tree in Portuguese, suggesting an association with a location marked by pine trees, a common feature in many parts of Portugal.

The combination of these two surnames, da-Silva-Pinhal, signifies a union between families bearing those distinct names at some point in history. The specific lineage and origin of the combined name, however, may vary depending on individual family histories.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "da-silva-pinhal"
• 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 : 26 July 2025

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