Last Name Vieites-da-silva

The surname Vieites-da-Silva is a composite Portuguese and Spanish surname, derived from two separate ancestral names. "Vieites" is a variant of the Basque surname "Hieza", which originated in the region of Gipuzkoa, northern Spain. It was often given to children born out of wedlock, and later adopted by descendants as a hereditary name. The Basque roots of this part of the surname suggest that its bearers may have originated from Basque-speaking regions in Spain. "Da Silva" is a common Portuguese patronymic surname meaning "son of Silva". The name Silva comes from the Latin silva, meaning "forest", and was likely given to someone who lived near a forest or had a profession related to forests. Combining these two surnames, Vieites-da-Silva likely indicates an individual with mixed Basque and Portuguese ancestry. It's important to note that the exact origins may vary depending on specific family histories.

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

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

The surname Vieites-da-Silva is a combination of two Portuguese elements, "Vieites" and "da Silva."

The term "Vieites" is an occupational name derived from the Old French "vitier," meaning a cooper or barrel-maker. This name would have been given to individuals who were engaged in the profession of making wooden containers, primarily barrels.

On the other hand, "da Silva" is a topographic name, originating from the Portuguese word for "forest" or "grove." It was often used as a surname by those who lived near such areas or owned groves.

The combination of these two names, Vieites-da-Silva, reflects the historical occupational and geographical naming practices in Portugal, as well as the potential mobility and profession changes over generations within a family.

Geographical distribution of the last name Vieites-da-silva

The surname Vieites-da-Silva is predominantly found in regions with significant Portuguese influence, particularly Portugal itself and its former colonies. In Portugal, it can be traced in various provinces, with a higher concentration in the northern areas such as Minho and Douro Litoral. In Portugal's former African colonies, particularly Brazil, Angola, Cape Verde, Mozambique, Guinea-Bissau, and São Tomé and Príncipe, the surname is also common due to the migration of Portuguese settlers during colonial times. The name can also be found in other countries with a large Portuguese diaspora, such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and South Africa. In these countries, the distribution of Vieites-da-Silva reflects the migration patterns of Portuguese immigrants over the centuries.

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

The surname Vieites-da-Silva has several variants and spellings due to differences in translation, transcription, and regional dialects over time. Some variations include: Vieites Da Silva, Vieitesdasilva, Vieytes-Da-Silva, Veytes-Da-Silva, and potentially others based on individual preferences or errors in documentation. It's important to note that these differences may result from cultural assimilation or phonetic changes during migration. For instance, the name could have originated in Portugal with the original spelling being Vieites da Silva, but over time, it might have been anglicized and slightly altered upon arrival in an English-speaking country. However, these variations do not change the fundamental meaning of the name, which is a combination of two Spanish or Portuguese names: Vieites, derived from the place name Vieites in Asturias, Spain, and da Silva, indicating a person of silvaticus (forest dweller) lineage.

Famous people with the last name Vieites-da-silva

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

1. Jorge Vieites da Silva (b. 1962), a Portuguese footballer who played as a forward for several clubs, including Benfica and Sporting CP, and also represented Portugal in international competitions.

2. Paulo Vieites da Silva (b. 1980), a Brazilian journalist and writer known for his works on human rights and social justice. He has won numerous awards for his journalism and is a correspondent for Folha de S.Paulo, one of Brazil's largest newspapers.

3. Ana Sofia Vieites da Silva (b. 1987), a Portuguese professional tennis player who has competed in the ITF Circuit and WTA Tour. She reached her highest singles ranking of World No. 160 in October 2015.

4. José de Vieites da Silva (1889-1963), a Brazilian lawyer, politician, and diplomat who served as the President of Brazil from August to December 1951, following the resignation of Eurico Gaspar Dutra.

5. Rui Vieites da Silva (b. 1972), a Portuguese footballer who played as a forward for teams such as Belenenses and Braga. He also had a brief stint in England with Portsmouth F.C. during the 1998–99 season.

Genealogical research on the last name Vieites-da-silva

The surname Vieites-da-Silva originates from Portugal and Spain, with both countries having similar historical contexts that led to its formation. The name is a composite one, formed by combining two separate patronymics: Vieites, derived from the personal name Vicente, and da Silva, indicating noble lineage or occupation as a forest worker in Latin ("silva" meaning "forest").

The Vieites-da-Silva family can be traced back to the Iberian Peninsula during the Middle Ages. The surname emerged during the Christian Reconquista, a series of wars fought between Christian kingdoms and Muslim rulers for control of the peninsula. Many Portuguese and Spanish families adopted double-barrelled surnames as a way of showing their noble lineage or highlighting significant events in their family history.

The Vieites-da-Silva family likely migrated from Portugal to other European countries, South America, Africa, and Asia during the Age of Exploration in the late Middle Ages and early Modern Era. Notable individuals with the surname include Portuguese explorer Diogo Vieites da Silva, who served as a captain on Magellan's expedition around the world. Today, the name is found in various parts of the world, reflecting its extensive historical dispersal.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "vieites-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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