The Da Silva Family Crest framed artprint. Beautifully illustrated. Carefully researched. Uniquely personal.
Whether it’s a gift to celebrate a milestone birthday, a wedding or a housewarming—this piece is an instant heirloom.
The origin of the name Silva
Silva (da Silva / de Silva) is one of the premier ancient Portuguese and Spanish grandee noble surnames, derived from Latin silva (meaning "forest," "woodland," or "wild woods"). Tracing direct lineage from Don Guterre Alderete de Silva, a 10th-century knight who fought under King Alfonso VI during the Reconquista, the House of Silva rose to supreme aristocracy as Counts of Portalegre, Marquis of Silva, and Dukes of Pastrana. Dominating Iberian history, members served as Viceroys of India, Grand Marshals, and celebrated poets across Portugal, Spain, and Brazil.
The symbolism of the Da Silva coat of arms
Visually pure and royal, the Silva coat of arms features an argent / silver or white shield charged with a central purple lion rampant. In classical Iberian heraldry, the silver shield symbolises sincerity, peace, and unblemished judicial purity, while the central purple lion rampant serves as a famous emblem of rare majesty, royal Portuguese lineage, supreme courage, and sovereign dignity. Positioned above the shield, a steel knight's helmet in profile with visor closed rests atop the field, symbolising chivalric honor and martial defense. The crest above displays a striking plume of purple and silver feathers, symbolising noble elevation and light. The formal recognition of this coat of arms was documented in Portuguese grandee registers and catalogued in the Nobiliario Español and J.B. Rietstap’s Armorial Général.
Historical figures
Don João da Silva, 2nd Count of Portalegre (15th Century): Famed Portuguese nobleman and diplomat.
Doña Maria da Silva (16th Century): Portuguese noblewoman and benefactor recorded in Lisbon land charters.
José Asunción Silva (1865–1896): Celebrated Colombian poet and pioneer of Spanish-American Modernism.
Product details
- Ayous wood 0.75″ (1.9 cm) thick frame from renewable forests
- Paper thickness: 10.3 mil (0.26 mm)
- Paper weight: 189 g/m²
- Lightweight & acrylite front protector
- Hanging hardware included
No Warehouses. No Waste. Just for you, made to order
This product is printed especially for you when ordered, one at a time, by royal decree of Mother Nature to keep the realm beautiful. Family Crests Store guarantees your custom treasure meets all EU and USA safety standards.
About the artist
Each coat of arms in the Family Crests Store is an artwork by heraldic artist Éamonn Breathnach. All are carefully researched, drawing from the earliest available records across multiple heraldic archives. Noted for their elegance and attention to detail, these artworks make meaningful gifts for family occasions.
Don’t see your family name?
I’m always happy to add new crests and products to the collection, so please get in touch if you can’t find what you're looking for. ⚜️
