Silva
/ˈsɪlvə/ (English), /ˈsiwvɐ/ (Portuguese)
noun
Origin
Latin
silva — forest, wood
Overview
Meaning Now
- A surname of Latin origin, common in Portuguese-speaking regions.
- A term used in botany and ecology to refer to the trees or woods of a particular region.
Literal older meaning
forest, woodland, or thicket
Language path
Latin → Portuguese → English
Earliest form
silva
Earliest period
Classical Latin
Journey
The surname Silva originated in the Iberian Peninsula. It was frequently adopted by families living in or near wooded areas. Due to Portuguese colonial expansion, it became the most common surname in Portugal and Brazil, and is also highly prevalent in Angola, Mozambique, and other Lusophone territories.
Evolution
- Classical Latin
silva
“forest”
- Vulgar Latin
silva
“forest, woods”
- Old Portuguese
Silva
“forest; habitational surname”
Used to denote someone living near a forest.
- Modern Portuguese/English
Silva
“Surname or botanical term”
Connections
Word parts
Silva
root
forest
Related across languages
Spanish
Selva
jungle or forest
Italian
Selva
forest
French
Sylve
woodland
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Related to Silva
External references use DefinedTerm semantics.