Last Name Silva

The last name Silva has Portuguese and Spanish origins. In both languages, "silva" means "forest" or "woodland." It is a common surname in Portuguese-speaking countries such as Portugal, Brazil, and Angola, as well as in Spanish-speaking countries like Spain and several countries in Latin America. The name likely originated from someone who lived near or owned a forest or wooded area.

Race and Ethnicity of people with the last name Silva

When it comes to ethnic identity, the data from the Decennial U.S. Census shows that the majority of individuals with the Silva surname identify as Hispanic, with this group increasing by 5.49% between 2000 and 2010. The number of Silvas identifying as Black saw the most significant change, growing by 70.59%, while the representation of Silvas within the Asian/Pacific Islander community also increased slightly. On the other hand, the percentage of Silvas identifying as White and American Indian/Alaskan Native slightly decreased, with the largest drop seen in those identifying with two or more races, which fell by 65.89%.

	2000	2010	Change
Hispanic	58.15%	61.34%	5.49%
White	33.68%	32.61%	-3.18%
Black	1.19%	2.03%	70.59%
Asian/Pacific Islander	1.82%	2.01%	10.44%
Two or More Races	4.75%	1.62%	-65.89%
American Indian and Alaskan Native	0.41%	0.39%	-4.88%

Silva ancestry composition

NomOrigine computes an ancestry breakdown for each customer. People may have ancestry from just one population or they may have ancestry from several populations. The most commonly-observed ancestry found in people with the surname Silva is Spanish & Portuguese, which comprises 45.5% of all ancestry found in people with the surname. The next two most common ancestries are Indigenous American (14.8%) and British & Irish (14.5%). Additional ancestries include French & German, Italian, Eastern European, Angolan & Congolese, and Scandinavian.

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ANCESTRY BREAKDOWN	COMPOSITION
Spanish & Portuguese	45.5%
Indigenous American	14.8%
British & Irish	14.5%
Other	25.1%

Your maternal lineage may be linked to some of the first Americans

Though the Ice Age was beginning to retreat when your A2 ancestors first entered North America, there were still massive barriers blocking their way. Glaciers and inhospitable climate covered much of the continent, blocking entry into the interior. Nonetheless, researchers have found evidence that a wave of American founders migrated over 13,000 kilometers to reach southern Chile in only 2,000 years, a blink of an eye in the story of human migration! Their highway to the south was the coast of the Pacific, stocked with fish, diverse marine mammals, and other valuable resources in the rich kelp forests of the upper latitudes and in the abundant fresh-water rivers near the equator. Because of this rapid movement south, the A2 haplogroup and its diverse branches are found throughout North and South America.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Silva

The meaning and origin of the last name Silva

The surname Silva is of Latin origin, derived from the word "silva" meaning "forest" or "woodland" in Latin. As a surname, Silva likely originated as a geographical name for someone who either lived near or worked in a forested or wooded area. In ancient times, forests were essential for various purposes, including providing timber for construction and fuel. Therefore, the surname Silva may have originally been assigned to individuals based on their association with such environments. Over time, the surname expanded and spread through Spanish-, Portuguese-, and Italian-speaking regions due to the historical connections among these cultures. As colonization and migration occurred, individuals with the surname Silva settled in various parts of the world, leading to its presence in diverse regions today. The surname Silva, with its nature-oriented roots, continues to be worn by many individuals as a symbol of their ancestry and connection to woodlands.

Geographical distribution of the last name Silva

The last name Silva has a strong geographical distribution across various countries. It is most commonly found in countries with a Portuguese-speaking heritage, such as Portugal, Brazil, and Cape Verde. In Portugal, Silva is one of the most prevalent surnames, representing a significant portion of the population. In Brazil, due to the country's colonial ties with Portugal, Silva is also one of the most popular surnames, with a vast number of individuals carrying this name. Additionally, the surname can be found in other Portuguese-speaking countries like Cape Verde, Mozambique, and Angola. The name also extends beyond these nations, with Silva being present in significant numbers in countries like Spain, Italy, France, and the United States, where populations of Portuguese descent have settled over the years. Overall, the geographical distribution of the last name Silva highlights its prevalence in Portuguese-speaking countries and its diaspora across the globe.

Variants and spellings of the last name Silva

The last name Silva has several variations and spellings across different regions and cultures. One common variant is "Silvah," where the "h" is added at the end to reflect a different pronunciation. Another variation is "Silveira," which is derived from the Portuguese word for "black forest." Additionally, the spelling "Sylva" is occasionally used as an Anglicized version of the name. Another variation is "Da Silva" or "de Silva," which indicates a person from a specific family or region, often found in Portuguese-speaking countries. In Spanish-speaking countries, the name may be spelled "Silba" or "Silve." Other spellings include "Sylwa" or "Szilva," which can be found in regions influenced by Eastern European languages. The variations and spellings of the last name Silva provide insight into the diverse origins and cultural backgrounds of individuals who bear this surname.

Famous people with the last name Silva

One of the most notable individuals with the last name Silva is Anderson Silva. Born in Brazil, Anderson is a legendary mixed martial artist widely regarded as one of the greatest fighters in UFC history. Known for his exceptional striking skills and unrivaled agility, Silva held the UFC Middleweight Championship for a record-breaking 2,457 days, defending his title successfully a remarkable ten times. Nicknamed "The Spider," Silva's unique fighting style and charisma helped elevate the popularity of the sport. Another famous Silva is Thiago Silva, a professional soccer player from Brazil. He has played for top football clubs such as AC Milan, Paris Saint-Germain, and Chelsea. With his powerful defensive abilities and leadership skills, Thiago Silva has established himself as one of the best defenders of his generation, winning numerous titles and accolades throughout his illustrious career. Both Anderson and Thiago Silva have left an indelible mark in their respective fields, cementing the Silva name among the most prestigious in sports.

Genealogical research on the last name Silva

The surname Silva has its origins in the Latin word "silva," which means forest or wood. It is a common surname in various countries like Portugal, Spain, and Brazil. The genealogical research on the last name Silva reveals a fascinating history. Many Silva families can trace their roots back to the Iberian Peninsula, with a notable concentration in Portugal. The name likely originated as a toponymic surname, indicating that the family lived near or within a forest. Over time, bearers of the Silva name spread through migration and colonization to other parts of the world, particularly Brazil, due to Portuguese exploration. Today, Silvas can be found in numerous countries, with diverse family histories and ancestral connections. Genealogical research on the Silva name provides an opportunity to uncover the specific origins and branches of individual families and their journey throughout history.

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