silva

Silva is a surname of Portuguese origin derived from the Latin silva, meaning forest or woods. In medieval Iberia the term was used descriptively for people living near forested land or working there, and it eventually became a hereditary family name.

Today, Silva is among the most common surnames in Portuguese-speaking countries, particularly Portugal and Brazil, and is widely encountered in communities with Lusophone heritage around the world. The surname often appears in compound forms such as da Silva or de Silva, which may be considered part of a separate family lineage in some naming conventions.

Silva is used across many regions due to migration and historical contact, and it is found in both Portuguese- and Spanish-speaking areas. Variants and related surnames include Silveira and de Silva. The name has a broad cultural presence in public life, with numerous individuals bearing the surname in sports, science, the arts, and politics.

Because of its prevalence, the surname Silva is often the subject of genealogical research and is a common anchor for tracing Lusophone ancestry. It also appears in place names and in fictional works in regions where Portuguese is spoken or has historical influence.