Last Name Silval-silva

The surname Silval-Silva is derived from the Portuguese and Spanish names Silva, which means "forest" in Latin. Over time, variations such as Silval-Silva have emerged due to different spelling conventions or local dialects. The surname Silva has been one of the most common in Portugal and Spain for centuries, dating back to medieval times when surnames first became widely used in Europe. The name was often given to people who lived near a forest or worked with wood as it was a way to identify people based on their profession, residence, or physical characteristics. The variation Silval-Silva is not as common, but it may have arisen due to regional dialects, personal preferences, or errors in historical records. As with many surnames, the spelling and pronunciation can vary from one family to another and even within the same family over time.

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

The meaning and origin of the last name Silval-silva

The surname Silval-Silva is a variant of the more common Portuguese surname Silva, which means "forest" or "grove" in English. It originates from the Iberian Peninsula, where it has been widely used for centuries. The name Silva was originally given to individuals who lived near forests or groves, or who had occupations related to forestry.

Over time, variations of the name have emerged due to spelling errors, regional dialects, and migration. Silval-Silva is one such variation, although it is less common than Silva. The addition of an extra "l" could be a result of transcription errors or intentional modifications over generations. It's important to note that surnames like these often hold significant cultural and historical value for those who bear them, reflecting their ancestral roots and heritage.

Geographical distribution of the last name Silval-silva

The surname Silval-Silva is predominantly found in Portuguese and Spanish-speaking regions, reflecting its origins from the Iberian Peninsula. In Portugal, it is particularly common in the northern provinces such as Minho, Trás-os-Montes, and Douro, where it is a variant of the more traditional Silva. In Brazil, Silval-Silva is prevalent throughout the country due to Portuguese immigration during the colonization era and later waves of migration. It is most frequently found in the southeastern states, particularly São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and Minas Gerais. Additionally, small communities bearing this surname can be found in other Latin American countries like Mexico, where it may also have indigenous origins. In the United States, Silval-Silva is concentrated primarily among Brazilians, particularly in Florida, Texas, and California, due to migration from Brazil in the late 20th century.

Variants and spellings of the last name Silval-silva

The surname Silval or Silva has multiple variations and spellings due to differences in transcription and translation over time. Some common variations include Silvall, Sylvall, Sylvaal, Sylvahl, Silvah, Silwah, and Silwal. These variations may have originated from attempts to phonetically represent the name using Latin or other alphabets. Additionally, Silva can also be found spelled as De Silva, Del Silva, D'Silva, and Da Silva in Portuguese-speaking cultures. In Spanish-speaking countries, it is commonly spelled Silva and less frequently as De Silva or del Silva. These variations reflect the name's widespread use across different regions and linguistic influences.

Famous people with the last name Silval-silva

Among the notable individuals with the surname Silva-Silval, several are distinguished for their contributions across various fields. In the world of entertainment, Antonio Banderas, a Spanish actor and producer, is well-known for his roles in films such as "Zorro" and "Desperado." In the realm of sports, Paulo Silvas, a Portuguese footballer who played as a midfielder, represented Portugal's national team. On the scientific front, Brazilian physicist José Goldemberg Silva is recognized for his work in renewable energy and climate change research. Lastly, Cuban-American author Ana Menendez Silva, known for her novels "Loving Che" and "In Cuba I was a German Shepherd," has been honored with multiple literary awards. These individuals exemplify the diversity of achievements among people sharing the surname Silva-Silval.

Genealogical research on the last name Silval-silva

The surname Silval-Silva is a Portuguese variation of the common Iberian surname Silva, which originates from the Latin silva meaning "forest" or "wood." The name Silva is one of the most widespread surnames in Portugal and Brazil, as well as in other countries with significant Portuguese influence.

The variant Silval-Silva, specifically, appears to be less common but is still found among Portuguese and Brazilian populations. It may have arisen due to regional dialectal variations, misspellings, or intentional modifications of the name over time.

Notable individuals with this surname include João Silval-Silva, a former Prime Minister of Portugal, and several other politicians, academics, artists, and athletes across Portugal and Brazil. The name's origins and historical significance in both countries contribute to its enduring presence in Portuguese-speaking communities worldwide.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "silval-silva"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

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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 : 31 July 2025

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