Surname deSilva - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'D'
deSilva: What does the surname deSilva mean?
The last name DeSilva is of Portuguese origin and is widely used in Portugal and Brazil, as well as in Spanish-speaking countries, with a slightly different spelling (De Silva). The "de" in the name means "of" or "from”, signifying a place of origin or residence, and "Silva" translates to "forest" or "woodland". Therefore, the surname DeSilva can be interpreted as "from the forest/woodland". This may indicate that the ancestors of the people carrying this surname possibly once lived in or near a forest. It's important to note that, in many cultures, surnames were often derived from paternal occupations, geographical locations, or even physical attributes. However, the interpretation of the name may not universally apply to everyone with this surname now, as surnames have been passed down through generations and families have migrated throughout the centuries.
Order DNA origin analysisdeSilva: Where does the name deSilva come from?
The surname deSilva is of Portuguese origin, stemming from "da Silva" which translates to "from the forest". It is one of the most common surnames in Portugal and Brazil. It was brought to many regions around the world including Asia and Latin America through Portuguese colonization and exploration from the 15th to 17th centuries.
Today, deSilva is generally common in regions which had significant Portuguese influence. These include Brazil, where it is particularly prevalent due to massive Portuguese immigration in the 19th and 20th centuries. It remains a common surname in Portugal and is also found among communities in Goa, a state in India which was formerly a Portuguese colony. The surname is also prevalent in Sri Lanka and some parts of Africa.
In many regions, especially former Portuguese colonies, it might be spelled as "da Silva", "D' Silva", or "De Silva". The differences are more about local adaptation than differences in origin. Thus, while the distribution of people with the surname deSilva is global, its density is substantially higher in regions with historical Portuguese ties.
Variations of the surname deSilva
The surname deSilva, which has a Portuguese origin, is common in Portugal, Spain and regions in South America, Sri Island (Sri Lanka), and among Sephardic Jews. The name indicates geographic roots, de means "of" and Silva refers to a "forest" or "woodland". DeSilva is often spelled as one word but can also be split into two, as in De Silva.
Variations can occur due to cultural variations, regional dialects, or spelling errors. Sometimes, you may see Silva without the "de". Variants could include DaSilva, D'Silva, or even with a z, as in DeSilva, depending on the country and its language practices.
As a globally widespread surname, it may also appear under different but similar surnames as a result of translation or Anglicisation, such as Woods (English), Dubois (French), Delbosque (Spanish), or Van den Bosch (Dutch), all of which mean "of the forest" or "from the woods".
In Spanish-speaking countries, it's also common to see it hyphenated or combined with another surname, for example, Silva-Gomez or Silva Moralez. Despite the variations, these names all trace back to a common origin, signifying a family's ancient connection to a particular geographic region.
Famous people with the name deSilva
- Michael de Silva: A former Hong Kong banker and the former CEO of Bank of East Asia.
- Daniel De Silva: An Australian professional soccer player who currently plays for Sydney FC.
- Walter de Silva: An Italian car designer who has worked for Alfa Romeo, Audi, Lamborghini, SEAT, and Volkswagen.
- Shyam De Silva: A Sri Lankan scientist known for his role in astronomy and space sciences.
- Sarath De Silva: A Sri Lankan judge known for being the former Chief Justice of Sri Lanka.
- Savan De Silva: A Sri Lankan cricketer who has played for Chilaw Marians Cricket Club.
- Brian de Silva: A Sri Lankan cricketer who has played for multiple teams such as Nondescripts Cricket Club.
- Anne de Silva, A Sri Lankan novelist and journalist.
- Jennifer De Silva: A Sri Lankan lawyer and women's rights activist.
- Diliup Gabadamudalige: A Sri Lankan musician who horned his craft under the tutelage of renowned musician Mary Anne David De Silva. Please note that there are variations in the spelling of the surname such as 'de Silva', 'De Silva', 'desilva', 'DeSilva'.