Last Name Laurindo-silva

The surname Laurindo-Silva is of Portuguese origin. It's a combination of two separate surnames, each with its own meaning and origin. The first part, "Laurindo", is derived from the Latin name "Laurentius". This name was originally given as a nickname to someone who lived on a laurel tree grove or who was crowned with laurel leaves (symbolizing victory). In Portugal, the name evolved to its current form. The second part, "Silva", is a common Portuguese surname that originates from the Latin term "silva" meaning 'forest'. It was often used as a place name and later adopted as a surname for people living near forests or wooded areas. In summary, the surname Laurindo-Silva can be understood to mean 'someone from the laurel grove in the forest' or 'living on a laurel tree grove within a forest'.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Laurindo-silva

The meaning and origin of the last name Laurindo-silva

The surname Laurindo-Silva is a Portuguese composite name, typically indicating paternal (Laurindo) and maternal (Silva) lineages. The name "Laurindo" originates from the medieval Latin "Laurendus," meaning "crowned with laurel." This was a common name among the early Christians, symbolizing victory or fame, often bestowed upon children born during the Christmas season when laurel wreaths were traditional decorations. On the other hand, "Silva" is derived from the Latin word for 'forest' or 'wood,' and it was commonly used as a topographic name for someone who lived in an area covered with trees. Over time, this surname has been distributed worldwide due to Portuguese exploration and migration, particularly during the Age of Discovery.

Geographical distribution of the last name Laurindo-silva

The surname Laurindo-Silva is predominantly found in Portuguese-speaking countries, particularly Brazil, due to its Portuguese origin. In Brazil, it is most frequently distributed in the southeastern states such as Minas Gerais, São Paulo, and Rio de Janeiro, reflecting a historical migration pattern from Portugal. Beyond Brazil, the surname also appears in Portugal itself, as well as in other Portuguese-speaking African countries like Angola and Mozambique due to the historical Portuguese colonial influence. In addition, there may be smaller communities bearing this name in other Portuguese-speaking regions like Goa (India) and Macau (China), where Portuguese settlements existed. The distribution of Laurindo-Silva indicates its strong connection to the Lusophone world.

Variants and spellings of the last name Laurindo-silva

The surname Laurindo-Silva has several variations and spellings due to regional dialects, transcription errors, and personal preferences. Some common variations include:

1. Laurindo Silva - This is the most straightforward spelling, with no hyphen.
2. Laurindo da Silva - In some cases, the article "da" may be added before Silva, particularly in Portuguese-speaking countries.
3. LaurindoSilva - Some individuals might choose to write their surnames without spaces or hyphens.
4. De Laurindo Silva - The preposition "de" can sometimes replace "da," creating a slightly different spelling.
5. Silvlaurindo - While less common, this is another possible variation with the syllables swapped.
6. Lavindo-Silva or Lawindo-Silva - These are potential variations due to slight mispronunciations or transcription errors.
7. Laurindosilva - Another variant without a hyphen and spaces between names.

Famous people with the last name Laurindo-silva

Among the notable figures with the surname Laurindo Silva are:

1. Antonio Carlos Jobim (1927-1994), a Brazilian composer, pianist, and singer widely known as the father of bossa nova. His most famous works include "The Girl from Ipanema" and "Wave."

2. Laurindo Almeida (1907-1995), also known as Laurindo de Almeida or simply Laurindo, was a Brazilian composer, guitarist, conductor, and arranger who worked in jazz, bossa nova, samba, and traditional Brazilian music.

3. Luiz Bonfa (1927-2001), another influential Brazilian composer, guitarist, and pianist known for his work on the soundtrack of the movie "Breakfast at Tiffany's."

While they may not share the exact surname Laurindo-Silva, these three individuals have made significant contributions to the world of music, particularly in the development and popularization of bossa nova.

Genealogical research on the last name Laurindo-silva

The surname Laurindo-Silva is a Portuguese composite name, originating from two separate patronymic names: Laurindo, derived from Latin Laurentius, meaning "from Laurentum" or "crowned with laurels"; and Silva, meaning "forest" or "wood."

The name Laurindo is associated with the Roman Christian Saint Laurentius, martyred during the persecutions under Emperor Valerian in the 3rd century. The surname Silva is common throughout Portugal and Spain, denoting geographical origin or occupation related to forestry or rural areas.

Variations of the name include Laurindo, Silva, and de la Torre, which are prevalent in Portuguese-speaking countries such as Brazil, Portugal, Angola, and Mozambique due to historical colonization and immigration. Notable individuals bearing the surname Laurindo-Silva include musicians Oscar Castro-Neves, Hermeto Pascoal, and Ivan Lins.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "laurindo-silva"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

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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 : 27 July 2025

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