Last Name Marto-da-silva

The surname Marto da Silva has Portuguese origins. "Marto" is a variant of the given name Martin and "da Silva" is a toponymic surname indicating that the original bearer lived near or originated from a place named Silva, which means "forest" in Portuguese. In Portugal, the use of surnames became widespread during the Middle Ages, with many nobles adopting surnames based on their estates or places of residence, and commoners often taking occupational names.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Marto-da-silva

The meaning and origin of the last name Marto-da-silva

The surname Marto da Silva is a Portuguese patronymic name, derived from the given names Martim (Martin) and Silva. The name Martim or Martin originates from the Latin name Martinus, which means "warlike" or "warrior." Silva denotes "forest" or "grove" in Portuguese. Thus, Marto da Silva originally meant "son of Martin from the forest" or "son of a warrior from the forest." The combination of a given name and a surname was a common naming practice in Portugal, particularly during the Middle Ages, as it served to distinguish individuals within a family and community. Over time, various spellings and phonetic variations have emerged for this surname, reflecting regional dialects and migration patterns.

Geographical distribution of the last name Marto-da-silva

Marto-da-Silva is a Portuguese surname that originates from the Iberian Peninsula, specifically Portugal. Its distribution primarily centers around this region, with significant concentrations in coastal and central areas such as Lisbon, Porto, Coimbra, and Algarve. Due to historical migrations, Portuguese diaspora, and intermarriages, the name Marto-da-Silva can also be found among Portuguese communities worldwide. Brazil, being a former Portuguese colony, has a substantial number of individuals carrying this surname, particularly in regions with strong Portuguese influence like the Southeast and Southern regions. In addition, smaller groups can be found in other countries with significant Portuguese migrant populations, such as the United States, Canada, and Angola.

Variants and spellings of the last name Marto-da-silva

The surname Marto da Silva has several variations and alternate spellings. Some common variations include:

* Marto De Silva
* Mardo da Silva
* Martho da Silva
* Martos Da Silva
* Mardos Da Silva
* Marthos Da Silva

These variations arise due to differences in regional dialects, transcription errors, or personal preferences. In Portuguese-speaking countries, the name is typically written as two separate words: Marto (a given name) and da Silva (a patronymic surname). However, it can also be combined into a single word in some cases, such as MartodaSilva. Additionally, some individuals may choose to anglicize the name by spelling it as Martin da Silva or Mardo Silvo, though these spellings are less common among Portuguese speakers.

Famous people with the last name Marto-da-silva

Notable individuals with the surname Marto-da-Silva include:

1. Eusébio da Silva Ferreira, commonly known as just Eusébio, a Portuguese footballer who played as a forward for Sporting Lisbon and Benfica, as well as the Portugal national team. He is considered one of the greatest football players of all time.

2. Alexandre Marto-da-Silva, also known by his stage name Rui da Silva, is a Portuguese DJ and record producer who has gained international acclaim for his work in electronic dance music.

3. Ricardo Marto-da-Silva, a Brazilian former footballer who played as a defender, primarily for Brazil's Corinthians and the Brazil national team. He was known for his physicality and leadership on the field.

4. João Marto-da-Silva, a Portuguese actor who has appeared in various films and television series, including "Lisbon Story" and "Morangos com Açucar".

These individuals have made significant contributions to their respective fields of football, music, and acting.

Genealogical research on the last name Marto-da-silva

The Marto-da-Silva surname originates from Portugal, specifically in the region of Minho. This lineage can be traced back to the medieval period when surnames were first adopted in Europe. The "Marto" part of the name is likely a geographical reference or an occupational name derived from a place called Martos or a martyr named Martin, while "da Silva" indicates noble lineage, originating from the abundant forests of silveiros or "silver-tree" keepers. Over time, the surname spread across Portugal and its colonies due to migration, with significant populations now found in Brazil, particularly in the states of Minas Gerais, São Paulo, and Rio de Janeiro. The Marto-da-Silva family tree is complex, with various branches emerging over centuries, many of which have contributed significantly to Portuguese and Brazilian history, culture, and society.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "marto-da-silva"
• 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 : 30 July 2025

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