Dasilva

Dasilva is a surname of Portuguese origin, a contracted variant of the traditional surname da Silva, which means “of the Silva” or “of the forest.” The element Silva refers to a woodland or forested area, and the combination with da indicates origin or belonging. While da Silva is the standard form in most Portuguese-speaking contexts, Dasilva is a fused spelling that appears in various countries and communities as an informal or record-keeping variant.

Origin and variation: The name da Silva arose in medieval Portugal as a toponymic or patronymic surname associated with families living near a forest or linked to the Silva lineage. Dasilva, DaSilva, and similar fused spellings often result from clerical simplification, immigration records, or personal preference, especially in non-Portuguese-speaking environments. Over time, Dasilva has established itself as a recognizable surname in its own right in many diasporic communities.

Geographic distribution and usage: Dasilva is found worldwide but is especially common in Brazil and among Portuguese-speaking communities. It is also present in Portugal and in immigrant populations in North America and Europe. The form tends to be used by men and women alike, with no gender-specific changes to the surname.

Notable people and references: The surname Dasilva is borne by numerous individuals across sports, arts, business, and public life. Because it is a widespread surname with many bearers, there is no single figure universally associated with the name. Related surnames include Da Silva and Silva, which share the same linguistic roots but use different spellings.

See also: Da Silva, Silva.