Surname · Portuguese origin
Silva
Meaning
The surname Silva means Forest, woodland.
Origin
Portuguese
Type
toponymic
The origin of the surname Silva
Silva, the most common Portuguese surname, comes from the Latin silva, “forest.”
What kind of surname is Silva?
Silva is a toponymic surname, originally describing where the bearer lived or came from. It belongs to the Portuguese naming tradition — you can read how Portuguese surnames were formed on our Portuguese last names page.
Other Portuguese surnames
Other toponymic surnames
Family names formed the same way, from different cultures.
Frequently asked questions
What does the surname Silva mean?
The surname Silva means Forest, woodland. Silva, the most common Portuguese surname, comes from the Latin silva, “forest.”
Where does the surname Silva come from?
Silva is a surname of Portuguese origin.
What kind of surname is Silva?
Silva is a toponymic surname, originally describing where the bearer lived or came from.
What are other Portuguese surnames?
Other Portuguese surnames include Almeida, Carvalho, Fernandes, Ferreira, Goncalves, Lopes.