Last Name Da-silva-teotonio

The surname "da Silva Teotonio" is a Portuguese name, composed of three elements that reflect its historical and geographical origins. 1. "da Silva": This is a common Portuguese patronymic surname meaning "of the Silva" family. Silva originated from the Latin word "silva", which means forest or wood. It was a common surname given to people who lived near a large forest, worked in a forest, or had ancestors who did so. 2. "Teotonio": This part of the name is less common and appears to have a different origin than da Silva. Teotonio is derived from the Latin words "Theotonicus" or "Theotonius", which mean "given by God" or "dedicated to God." It was given as a religious name in medieval times, often bestowed upon monks who took vows of poverty and obedience. It's worth noting that surnames such as da Silva and Teotonio have been widely dispersed due to historical events like the Portuguese Age of Discovery (15th-17th centuries), during which many Portuguese explorers, settlers, and missionaries traveled extensively, taking their names with them. Today, people with these surnames can be found throughout the world, not just in Portugal.

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

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

The surname Da Silva Teotonio is a Portuguese composite name, composed of three elements: Da Silva, Teo, and Tonio.

Da Silva originates from the Occitan word "de salva" or the Catalan word "de salvatge," both meaning "of the wild boar." It was a common practice among the medieval nobility to adopt surnames based on their occupations, physical characteristics, or place of origin. The Da Silva family, who were originally knights from northern Portugal, are believed to have been granted the title by King Sancho I in the 12th century for their valor and service during a boar hunt.

Teo is derived from the ancient Greek name Theophilos, meaning "lover of God." It was popularized in Portugal through Christian influence during the Middle Ages.

Tonio is a shortened form of various Latin names such as Antonius or Donatus, which were common among early Christians.

Therefore, Da Silva Teotonio is a Portuguese surname that combines references to both noble heritage and religious devotion.

Geographical distribution of the last name Da-silva-teotonio

The surname Da Silva Teotonio is predominantly found within Portuguese-speaking regions, primarily Portugal and Brazil. This last name also has a presence in African countries like Angola, Mozambique, and Cape Verde due to historical colonial ties with Portugal. Additionally, the name can be traced in Goa, India, which was under Portuguese rule for over 450 years. The Da Silva Teotonio lineage is also found in various parts of the world where Portuguese immigrants have settled, such as North America (especially Canada and the United States), South America, Australia, and Africa.

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

The surname "da Silva Teotonio" has several variations and alternate spellings due to differences in regional pronunciation and transliteration. Some of these variations include:

* DaSilvaTeotonio
* daSilva-Teotonio
* da-Silva Teotonio
* da Silva Teotonius
* da Silva Téotonio
* daSilva-Téotonio
* da-Silva-Téotonio
* da Silva do Teotonio

These variations may appear in different documents, databases, or online platforms. It is important to note that the correct spelling of a name can often have significant implications for official records and personal identification. Therefore, it is essential to be aware of all possible variations of a surname when conducting research or administrative tasks.

Famous people with the last name Da-silva-teotonio

Two notable individuals bearing the surname da Silva Teotonio are Jose Eduardo dos Santos and Ana Paula Araujo. Jose Eduardo dos Santos, born in 1942, served as the President of Angola from 1979 to 2017. Under his leadership, Angola experienced significant economic growth. However, his presidency was also marked by human rights violations and corruption allegations. Ana Paula Araujo, born in Portugal in 1985, is a professional tennis player. She has won several titles on the ITF Women's Circuit and reached a career-high singles ranking of world number 230. Despite their different fields, both Jose Eduardo dos Santos and Ana Paula Araujo have made significant impacts in their respective domains with the last name da Silva Teotonio.

Genealogical research on the last name Da-silva-teotonio

The surname da Silva Teotonio originates from Portugal and is composed of two distinct elements: "da Silva" and "Teotonio." The former, "da Silva," is a common Portuguese surname that translates to "of the silveiro," meaning one who lived near a grove or forest of holm oak trees. It became popular during the reign of King Denis I (1279-1325), when grants of land were often accompanied by names reflecting the location or characteristics of the property. The latter part, "Teotonio," is a religious name derived from Saint Teotonio, a Roman martyr who was venerated for his devotion to God and his refusal to worship idols during the persecutions under Emperor Diocletian in the early 4th century. The combination of these two surnames likely occurred when an individual bearing the name da Silva took on the additional religious name Teotonio, possibly due to a personal or familial connection to Saint Teotonio.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "da-silva-teotonio"
• 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 : 29 July 2025

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