What is the origin of the last name Silva-marques?
The surname Silva-Marques has Portuguese origins and is composed of two separate surnames, each with its own history.
"Silva" is one of the most common Portuguese surnames, derived from the Latin word 'silva' meaning forest or wood. During medieval times in Portugal, many people took names based on geographical features near their homes, such as rivers, mountains, and forests. In this case, "Silva" likely originated from a person living near a large forest or wooded area.
"Marques" is also a common Portuguese surname and originally referred to someone who served as a county administrator in medieval Portugal. The title "marquês" (marquis) was created by the King of Portugal during the Middle Ages, often granted to noblemen in recognition of their military achievements or important services to the crown. Over time, families with this title adopted it as part of their surname to signify their nobility and status.
The combination of Silva-Marques likely occurred when two individuals, one with the surname Silva and another with the surname Marques, married and decided to merge their surnames, a common practice in many cultures throughout history.
Learn more about the origin of the last name Silva-marques
The meaning and origin of the last name Silva-marques
The surname Silva-Marques is a Portuguese composite name, formed by combining two separate surnames: Silva and Marques. The name Silva, derived from the Latin word "silva" meaning "forest," was originally a topographical name for someone who lived near a wooded area or came from a place named with that term. On the other hand, Marques is an occupational or hereditary title referring to a nobleman in charge of a marquisate, which originated during the Middle Ages in feudal Portugal. The combination of Silva-Marques may have been given to someone who belonged to the high nobility or held a position of significance within a forested region. Over time, this surname has become widespread across Portugal and its diaspora due to migration and genealogical developments.
Geographical distribution of the last name Silva-marques
The surname Silva-Marques is predominantly found in Portuguese-speaking countries, particularly in Portugal and Brazil, due to its Portuguese origins. In Portugal, it is most concentrated in the northern regions, such as Minho, Douro, and Trás-os-Montes, reflecting a historical migration pattern from these areas. In Brazil, it is widely distributed throughout the country, but has significant concentrations in the southeast, especially in São Paulo state and the Rio de Janeiro region, where Portuguese immigrants settled during the 19th and early 20th centuries. The surname can also be found among the diaspora of Portuguese speakers, such as in Africa (Angola, Mozambique, and Cape Verde), as well as in other countries with significant Portuguese-speaking populations like Macau, East Timor, and Goa (India).
Variants and spellings of the last name Silva-marques
The surname Silva-Marques has various spelling variations due to differences in transcription and translation over time. Some common variations include Silva Marques, Silvamarques, Silveira Marques, da Silva Marques, and Silva de Marques. These variations can be found among people of Portuguese origin, as the name is commonly found in Portugal and Brazil. The hyphenated form, Silva-Marques, may be used to distinguish it from other surnames with similar spelling, such as Silva or Marques alone. It's essential to note that individuals may spell their names differently depending on personal preference, regional dialects, or historical factors.
Famous people with the last name Silva-marques
Notable individuals with the surname Silva Marques include:
1. José Eduardo dos Santos Silva Marques (born 1942), an Angolan politician who served as President of Angola from 1979 to 2017.
2. João Bosco Silva Marques, a Brazilian diplomat who served as the Permanent Representative of Brazil to the United Nations in Geneva from 2006 to 2010.
3. Ana Paula Araújo de Oliveira Silva Marques (born 1985), a Portuguese professional tennis player. She reached her highest singles ranking on the WTA Tour, world No. 74, in June 2013.
4. Ricardo Silva Marques (born 1986), a Brazilian footballer who plays as a left back for Botafogo FR and the Brazil national team. He was part of the squad that won the Copa América Centenario in 2016.
Genealogical research on the last name Silva-marques
The Silva-Marques surname is a combination of two Portuguese patronymics, Silva and Marques, indicating possible lineage from individuals named Simon (Silva) and Marcos (Marques). Silva originates from the Latin "silva," meaning forest or wood, while Marques refers to a count or nobleman.
The Silva-Marques family is historically prevalent in Portugal, with roots tracing back to the medieval period. Notable members of this lineage include the 16th-century explorer João de Silveira Mendes, who accompanied Vasco da Gama's voyage to India, and Manuel Marques de Minas, a Brazilian judge and politician in the 18th century.
The family migrated to various countries during colonial expansion, establishing strong roots in Brazil, Angola, Mozambique, Cape Verde, Goa (India), and Macau (China). Today, Silva-Marques is one of the most common surnames in Portugal and Brazil, reflecting its rich history and widespread dispersal.
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.
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