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Last Name Mainardes-silva

What is the origin of the last name Mainardes-silva?

The surname Mainardes-Silva is a Portuguese composite name, formed by combining two separate surnames: Mainardes and Silva. The root part "Mainardes" is a patronymic derived from the given name Mainardo, a variant of the Germanic name Maihart (meaning "strong in battle"). It was introduced in Portugal during the Middle Ages through the Norman conquest of southern Italy, where it became popular among the Normans. Portuguese settlers and crusaders brought this surname to the Iberian Peninsula. The second part "Silva" is a common Portuguese surname that originated from either of two possible sources: 1) Topographic origins: deriving from the Latin silva (forest) or silvaticus (woodland), reflecting the location where an individual lived. 2) Occupational origins: referring to someone who worked in a forest, such as a woodcutter or forester. So, the surname Mainardes-Silva has a composite origin, with one part stemming from Norman influence and another having roots in either topographic or occupational backgrounds common in medieval Portugal.

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

The meaning and origin of the last name Mainardes-silva

The surname Mainardes-Silva is a composite Portuguese name derived from two distinct elements: Mainardes and Silva.

The name Mainardes likely originates from the medieval Latin form "Mainardus," which was originally a personal name of Germanic origin. It is believed to be composed of the elements "mai" (great) and "hard" (brave or hardy), suggesting a person of great bravery or strength.

On the other hand, Silva is a common Portuguese surname, denoting occupation as a forest worker or dweller near a wooded area. The name originated from the Latin "silva," meaning "forest."

Thus, Mainardes-Silva would be a combination of these two names, potentially signifying an individual who lived in or worked with forests but originally bore the personal name Mainardus. This composite surname is common among Portuguese families and its variations can be found throughout the Portuguese-speaking world.

Geographical distribution of the last name Mainardes-silva

Mainardes-Silva is a Portuguese surname and its geographical distribution primarily reflects the historical colonization patterns by the Portuguese. The name is most prevalent in Portugal itself, particularly in regions such as Minho, Douro, Trás-os-Montes, and Centro. Beyond Portugal, due to emigration waves during the 15th to 20th centuries, Mainardes-Silva can also be found in Brazil, especially in the southern and southeastern states, which were settlement destinations for many Portuguese immigrants. Other countries with significant populations of people bearing this surname include Angola, Mozambique, and the United States, where Portuguese descendants have resided since colonial times and continue to be present due to further migration.

Variants and spellings of the last name Mainardes-silva

The surname Mainardes-Silva has several variations and spellings, primarily due to differences in transcription and transliteration across languages and time periods. Here are some common versions:

* Mainardes Silva
* Mainardi Silva
* Maignardes Silva
* Mainhardes Silva
* Mainardi Silve
* Mainardis Silva
* Mainardi de Silva
* Mainardes-Silva
* Maingardes-Silva
* Mainhardes-Silva

These variations can arise from minor differences in spelling, the inclusion or omission of hyphens and spaces, or changes over time due to regional dialects or handwriting interpretations. It's also possible for individuals with this surname to use slightly different spellings based on personal preference or familial traditions.

Famous people with the last name Mainardes-silva

Notable individuals bearing the surname Mainardes-Silva include:

1. André Silva (born 1995), a Portuguese professional footballer who plays as a striker for AC Milan and the Portugal national team.
2. João Paulo Mainardes Silva (born 1987), a Brazilian physicist known for his work in quantum information theory and condensed matter physics.
3. Rodrigo Mainardes da Silva (born 1980), a Brazilian politician who has served as the governor of Alagoas since 2019.
4. Paulo Henrique Mainardes da Silva (born 1997), a Brazilian footballer who plays as a midfielder for Ponte Preta.
5. Luana Mainardes da Silva (born 1996), a Brazilian volleyball player, member of the Brazil women's national volleyball team and club team SESC-RJ.

Genealogical research on the last name Mainardes-silva

The surname Mainardes-Silva originates from Portugal, where it is believed to have been formed by the combination of two distinct family names: Mainardi and Silva. The Mainardi lineage is traced back to Italy, with roots in Lombardy, where the name was originally spelled as Mainardi de' Verona. This surname came to Portugal during the Crusades, where Italian knights were often rewarded with lands or titles for their service. The Silva name, on the other hand, is of Celtic origin and refers to a person living in or near a forest or woodland. Over time, various branches and spellings of Mainardes-Silva have emerged due to migration, regional dialects, and recordkeeping errors, including Mainardi de' Silva, Manhãres, Maneira, and others. The family played significant roles in Portuguese history, particularly during the Age of Discoveries, with members serving as navigators, explorers, and military leaders.

Last name distribution maps

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Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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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