The surname Silva-Lima has Portuguese origins. "Silva" is a common Portuguese surname derived from the word for 'forest' in Latin, while "Lima" originates from several possible sources, such as a geographical location or an occupational name referring to people who worked with flax. The combination of Silva-Lima suggests that it may have been formed by adding a patronymic element - da Silva (son of Silva) and Lima to differentiate between individuals with the same surname.
The surname Silva-Lima is a composite Portuguese name derived from two separate patronymic names, Silva and Lima, both originating from regional topographic indicators, common in medieval Iberian naming practices.
"Silva" translates to 'forest' or 'wood' and was often used by people who lived near forests or wooded areas. The name "Lima" is derived from the word for 'limestone', possibly indicating a location where limestone was quarried or abundant, or referring to a geographical area with similar characteristics.
The combination of Silva-Lima would have been used by individuals who either lived near both types of landscapes (forest and limestone) or were descendants of two separate families, one bearing the name Silva and the other Lima. Over time, these names became widespread in Portugal and its colonies, including Brazil, due to the country's historical migration patterns.
The last name Silva-Lima is predominantly distributed across Portugal and Brazil, reflecting its Portuguese origins. In Portugal, it ranks among the most common surnames, with high concentrations in the north, particularly in regions such as Minho, Douro, and Trás-os-Montes. In Brazil, Silva-Lima is also a common surname, especially in the northeastern states like Pernambuco, Paraíba, and Rio Grande do Norte, where many Portuguese immigrants settled during colonization. It's also found in other Portuguese-speaking countries like Angola, Mozambique, and Cape Verde due to historical migration patterns. In the United States, the name is predominantly concentrated in states with a high Portuguese American population, such as Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and California.
The surname Silva-Lima has several variations and spellings, primarily due to differences in transliteration, regional pronunciation, or personal preference. Some common variants include Silv-Lima, Silva Lima, Silva Limaa, Silveira Lima, and Sylva Lima. The name originates from Portugal, with "Silva" meaning forest or woodland, and "Lima" referring to a limestone or white. It is also possible to find slight alterations based on the individual's family history or immigration records, such as Silva de Lima, de Silv-Lima, or Lima Silva. These variations serve as testament to the name's rich heritage and the diversity of its bearers across different regions and time periods.
Notable individuals with the surname Silva-Lima include:
1. Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (born 1945), a Brazilian politician who served as President of Brazil from 2003 to 2010, and again from 2023.
2. Alex Silva (born 1987), a Brazilian mixed martial artist currently competing in the Flyweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).
3. Rosangela Silveira Lima (born 1961), a Brazilian actress, known for her roles in telenovelas such as "Avenida Brasil" and "Malhação".
4. Paulo Henrique Silva Lima (born 1982), a Brazilian footballer who plays as a midfielder for Coritiba in the Brasileirao Série A.
5. José Silva Lima (1907-1999), a Brazilian metaphysician and founder of the Silva Method, a self-improvement system based on techniques for accessing and utilizing the subconscious mind.
6. Paulo César Silva Lima (born 1953), a Brazilian prelate of the Catholic Church who served as Archbishop of Fortaleza from 2007 to 2018.
The surname Silva-Lima originates from Portugal, where both Silva and Lima are common family names. Silva is derived from the Latin word "silvam," meaning forest or wood, while Lima comes from the Latin term for limestone, "limes." In Portugal, these names were often given to individuals living near forests or limestone areas.
The surname Silva-Lima spread across the globe as a result of Portuguese exploration and colonization in the 15th and 16th centuries. Many individuals with this surname can be found in former Portuguese colonies, particularly in Brazil, Africa, and Asia. In Brazil, it is one of the most common surnames, often seen in the northeastern states due to Portuguese settlement there.
In genealogical research, it's essential to note that variations in spelling and transliteration may occur, depending on the records and languages involved. Common variations of Silva-Lima include de Silva Lima, da Silva Lima, and Silva Limão. Genealogists should also investigate other Portuguese surnames that are similar in meaning or sound, as these names were often intertwined historically.
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