Last Name Da-silva-reis

The surname "da Silva Reis" is of Portuguese origin. It consists of three elements: 1. Da Silva: This part of the surname indicates that the family originally belonged to the Silva clan, which was a common noble surname in medieval Portugal. "Da" is a preposition meaning "of" or "from", so da Silva would translate to "of Silva". 2. Reis: This is another common Portuguese surname, derived from the word "rei", which means king. It could suggest that an ancestor held a position of authority or power, such as a local magistrate or a feudal lord. So, the surname da Silva Reis indicates that the family originally belonged to the Silva clan and had connections to a figure of authority, likely a local ruler or nobleman in medieval Portugal. However, it's important to note that surnames can have multiple origins and meanings, and further research may be needed for a complete understanding of this specific lineage.

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

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

The surname Da Silva Reis is a Portuguese name, comprised of three elements: Da Silva and Reis, which are patronymics (surnames derived from the father's given name), and Da Silva being more common than Reis in Portugal.

The origin of the surname Da Silva can be traced back to the Medieval period in the Iberian Peninsula. It is a habitational name from the town of Sá da Bandeira (or just Sá) in the district of Viseu, where a family with the name Silveirinha lived. The name was then anglicized as Da Silva during the Age of Discoveries when many Portuguese explorers traveled to Africa and Asia, using the surname as an identifier.

The addition of Reis suggests that at some point in history, a bearer of the Da Silva name took on another patronymic, possibly from a relative or acquaintance named Reis, though specific records tracing this change are not readily available. This compound surname became more common in the New World as Portuguese immigrants settled in various regions, particularly Brazil and its territories, where the surname remains popular today.

Geographical distribution of the last name Da-silva-reis

The surname da Silva Reis is predominantly found in Portuguese-speaking countries due to its origins from Portugal. It is particularly common in Brazil, where it ranks among the top 20 most frequent surnames, reflecting the large number of Portuguese immigrants who settled there during the colonial period and beyond. Additionally, the name is also prevalent in other Lusophone (Portuguese-speaking) countries such as Angola, Mozambique, and Cape Verde, as well as Goa, India, due to historical connections with Portugal. Outside of these regions, smaller populations of individuals carrying the da Silva Reis surname can be found in various parts of the world, particularly among descendants of Portuguese immigrants.

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

The surname Da Silva Reis has various spellings and slight variations, primarily due to regional differences in pronunciation and translation conventions. Here are some common versions:

* DaSilvaReis (with capitalized first letters)
* DáSilvaReis (using the Portuguese accent mark over the 'a')
* da Silva Reis (without any accent marks, as is typical when using English orthography for Portuguese names)
* da Silveira (a variant of the surname where the 'a' in Silva is replaced by 'e', a common modification in some regions)
* da Silva Ribeiro (a different surname that may be confused with Da Silva Reis, particularly when spelled without accent marks)
* DeSilvaReis (with an initial capitalized 'D')

It's also important to note that the order of names in Portugal and Brazil is usually first name(s), followed by the surnames. Therefore, a person named José da Silva Reis would have "José" as their first name, while "da Silva Reis" would be their family name or surname. In some cases, people may use only one of their surnames, particularly if it's a very common surname like Silva.

In conclusion, the surname Da Silva Reis has multiple spellings and variations, but understanding the context and the cultural background of the person can help clarify its proper form.

Famous people with the last name Da-silva-reis

Notable individuals sharing the surname Da Silva Reis include:

1. José Mourinho, a prominent Portuguese football manager and former player, known for his successful tenures at clubs like Porto, Chelsea, Inter Milan, Real Madrid, and Manchester United.

2. Eduardo da Silva Reis, a professional footballer who plays as a striker for Scottish club Hibernian. He has represented Wales internationally.

3. Catarina Clara Da Silva Reis, also known as Xana, is a Portuguese singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist who gained fame in the early 2000s with her unique fusion of traditional Fado music and contemporary elements.

4. Pedro da Silva Reis, a Brazilian former racecar driver who competed in various categories, including Formula One, between 1973 and 1985.

These individuals have made significant contributions to their respective fields, spanning sports, music, and motorsport.

Genealogical research on the last name Da-silva-reis

The surname da Silva Reis originates from Portugal, where it is composed of two elements: "da Silva," indicating that the original bearer was a servant or an official who served under a person named Silva; and "Reis" meaning king, possibly suggesting a connection to a noble family or land ownership. The name has been carried by numerous individuals throughout history, with notable figures such as José Augusto da Silva Reis, a prominent Brazilian journalist and politician in the 19th century, and the Portuguese footballer Bruno Miguel de Carvalho da Silva Reis, also known as Bruno Fernandes. In Portugal, the surname is most commonly found in the regions of Minho, Trás-os-Montes, and Aveiro. In Brazil, it can be found throughout the country, particularly in the states of São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and Minas Gerais.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "da-silva-reis"
• 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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