A Portuguese name is the basis of Silva. It is the most common surname in Portugal and in territories held by as colonies by Portugal including Brazil and sections of Sri Lanka and India. The original term silvameans ‘thicket’ or ‘bramble.’

Portugal, Italy and Spain are the origins of many with the Silva name.

Equally most families with the Silva name were laborers and farmers in the 1880s.

The county of Kent and area of London have the main Silva populations in England. In Midlowthian county of Scotland there are a few with the Silva surname.

The states with a Silva population include California and Massachusetts.

Famous: Daniel Silva (novelist), Neuza Silva (professional tennis player), Jackie Silva (Brazilian beach volleyball player), Ollie Silva (auto racing driver), Garth da Silva (New Zealand boxer), Carlos Silva (Venezuelan baseball player), Tom Silva (general contractor for home improvement TV shows), Anibal C. Silva (President of Portugal), Clarence Richard Silva (United States Catholic Bishop), Steven Silva (top chef) and Pedro de Silva (first letter post courier of New France - later known as Canada from 1693 to 1717).