The root word "silva" comes from Latin: silva -ae f. [a wood , forest; bush; a plantation, grove; a mass, plenty, abundance]. Genealogy studies indicate that the surname originated in Portugal with some mention of Spain and Italy. Explorers from Portugal (and Spain) travelled along the coast of Africa and up into India. Hence the proliferation of the Portuguese language throughout those parts of the world (including Sri Lanka which was a trading outpost for many European countries). Later, the explorers set out across the Atlantic Ocean. This trip was long and even with the stars for guidance the currents pulled the ships steadily southward in an arc. So like Columbus they landed in South America. Colonization throughout Africa, India and the South Americas explains why the language and the name da Silva is so widely spread.
references: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portuguese_Empire
For more information search WikiAnswers for the terms "silva" and "portuguese colony"
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da silva
Da silva
Silva is a very common surname in Portugal and Brazil. It is thought that di Silva is the original form of the name. "di" has been dropped over time from many surnames, therfore using only Silva. Di Silva is actually a Spanish surname which once belonged to the kings and queens of Spain. Silva is derived from Latin via French, Spanish, Italian and other Romance Languages. It means "forrest." Di silva and De Silva mean "of the forrest" or "from the forrest."
Bezerra da Silva's birth name is Jos Bezerra da Silva.
Mariana Da Silva's birth name is Mariana Rivieri Da Silva.
Fabio and Rafael da Silva are twins, which means they are brothers
Ademar Da Silva's birth name is Adhemar Ferreira da Silva.
Moreira da Silva's birth name is Antnio Moreira da Silva.
Carin da Silva's birth name is Carin Elisa da Silva.
Alysson Da Silva goes by Alex Silva.
Benedita da Silva's birth name is Benedita Souza da Silva Sampaio.