What is the origin of the last name Geraldo-da-silva?
The surname Geraldo-da-Silva is of Portuguese origin. The name "Geraldo" is a medieval Iberian given name derived from the Visigothic Germanic element "gari" meaning spear, and the Old High German word "harthwald" meaning hard rule or strong leader.
The addition of "da-Silva" to the surname indicates that the family originated in a region called Silva (meaning forest) in Portugal. In Portugal, the practice of adding de, da, dos, or dores to a surname indicates it is derived from a place name, and in this case, Geraldo-da-Silva means "Geraldo from Silva".
Learn more about the origin of the last name Geraldo-da-silva
The meaning and origin of the last name Geraldo-da-silva
The surname Geraldo da Silva is of Portuguese origin, derived from two elements: Geraldo, a personal name of Old Germanic origin, and da Silva, indicating that the bearer originally came from a place with a silver mine or worked with silver. Geraldo is a variant of Gerald, which means "rules the spear" in Germanic languages. The surname Silva refers to a person who lived near a forest or wood (silva) or was a silviculturist. Over time, this Portuguese surname has been adopted and spread by immigrants to various parts of the world, particularly Brazil, where it is one of the most common surnames.
Geographical distribution of the last name Geraldo-da-silva
The surname Geraldo-da-Silva is predominantly found in Portuguese-speaking countries, primarily Brazil and Portugal, due to its origin as a combination of two Portuguese personal names, Geraldo (Geraldo meaning "ruler of the world" or "bold ruler") and da Silva (meaning "of the forest" or "from the forest"). In Brazil, it is one of the most common surnames, reflecting the country's historical ties to Portugal. In Portugal itself, it is also relatively common but less frequent than in Brazil. The name has also been dispersed to some extent through immigration, with Geraldo-da-Silvas found in various parts of the world, such as the United States, Canada, and Australia, often as a result of migration from Brazil or Portugal during the 20th century.
Variants and spellings of the last name Geraldo-da-silva
The surname Geraldo-da-Silva possesses multiple variations and spellings due to differences in transliteration, regional dialects, and individual preferences. Here are some common variants:
1. Geraldo da Silva
2. Geraldo Da Silva
3. Geraldo das Silva
4. Geraldo da Silveira
5. Geraldo da Silveira Silva
6. Geraldo da Sylva
7. Geraldo De Silva
8. Geraldo das Sylvas
9. Geraldo De Sylva
10. Geraldo Silveira
11. Geraldo de Silveira
12. Geraldo da Sylveira
These variations can be found in different countries, with Portuguese-speaking regions being the most common due to the surname's origins. However, it is essential to note that individuals may use alternative spellings based on their personal preference or migration patterns.
Famous people with the last name Geraldo-da-silva
Geraldo Alckmin and Gerardo Martino are two notable individuals bearing the surname Geraldo-da-Silva. Born in Brazil, Geraldo Alckmin is a prominent politician who served as the Governor of São Paulo from 2019 to 2022 and previously held multiple positions within the Brazilian Democratic Movement Party (PMDB) and the Brazilian Social Democracy Party (PSDB). He was also the runner-up in the 2002 and 2006 Brazilian presidential elections.
Argentinean football coach Gerardo Martino, often known simply as "Tata," has managed several high-profile clubs across Europe and South America. He led the Argentine national team to the 2014 FIFA World Cup finals and is recognized for his tactical acumen in developing attacking and dynamic playing styles. Both figures have made significant contributions to their respective fields, leaving lasting impressions with their accomplishments.
Genealogical research on the last name Geraldo-da-silva
The surname Geraldo-da-Silva is of Portuguese origin, deriving from the personal names Geraldo (from Gerardo, meaning "spear brave" or "brave with spears") and da Silva, which refers to someone from the region Silves in Algarve, Portugal. The name first appeared during the Middle Ages as many individuals immigrated from Portugal to other parts of Europe, South America, and Africa, due to colonization and exploration.
The Geraldo-da-Silva family can be traced back to the 15th century in Portugal, with prominent figures such as D. João Geraldo de Meneses, 3rd Duke of Braganza (1460–1520), and D. Fernando Geraldo da Cunha, 1st Count of Linhares (1470-1538). The name later dispersed throughout the Portuguese-speaking world, particularly in Brazil due to the colonial period.
Notable figures with this surname include the Brazilian footballer Djalma Dias de Oliveira Geraldo da Silva, known as "Geraldo," and the Angolan politician Archer Santos da Silva Geraldo. The name's distribution remains widespread among Portuguese speakers, particularly in Portugal, Brazil, and Angola.
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.
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