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Santos Unisex

Popularity: #638 · Trend: ↗ Rising

Origin(s)

PronunciationSAHN-tos / /ˈsæntoʊs/

Spanish; Portuguese

Meaning

Spanish: 'saint'; Portuguese: 'holy'

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Santos has its roots in the Latin word "sanctus," meaning "holy" or "sacred." This term evolved through various linguistic stages, first appearing in early Christian texts as a reference to saints. The name was adopted into Spanish and Portuguese as "Santos," which directly translates to "saints" in English. This transition reflects the influence of the Christian tradition in the Iberian Peninsula, where the veneration of saints played a significant role in cultural and religious life. The name entered the English language primarily through the Spanish and Portuguese explorers and missionaries during the Age of Exploration, particularly from the 15th century onward.

Historically, the name Santos has been associated with numerous saints in Christianity, most notably Saint Anthony of Padua, who is often referred to as "Santo Antonio" in Portuguese and Spanish. His life and works in the 13th century contributed to the name's prominence in regions influenced by Catholicism. Additionally, the name has been borne by various notable figures throughout history, including saints and religious leaders, which has further solidified its significance within Christian communities. The name appears in various historical texts and religious documents, reflecting its longstanding association with holiness and virtue.

Culturally, Santos carries connotations of reverence and spirituality, often associated with the celebration of saints' feast days in Catholic traditions. The name is frequently used in conjunction with other names, such as "Santos de la Cruz," which translates to "Saints of the Cross," highlighting its religious significance. The enduring nature of the name can also be seen in its use in various cultural contexts, including literature and art, where it symbolizes purity and sanctity. Overall, Santos reflects a rich tapestry of linguistic, historical, and cultural influences that have contributed to its lasting resonance.

Trend Summary

The name Santos has seen moderate popularity in the United States, particularly within Hispanic communities.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Santo

International Variants

  • Santos (Spanish)
  • Santos (Portuguese)

Famous people named Santos

Santos Dumont is an aviation pioneer best known for his early heavier-than-air flight and the development of the 14-bis and Demoiselle aircraft.

Santos Escobar is a professional wrestler best known for his work in WWE and AAA.

Fictional characters named Santos

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Santos was first seen in the United States in 1880. Santos has ranked as high as #1066 nationally, which occurred in 2023, and has been most popular in Texas, California, New York, Arizona, and Illinois. In the past 5 years the name Santos has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Santos (2024)

StateBirthsShare
CA 67
28%
TX 63
27%
AZ 16
7%
IL 13
5%
FL 11
5%
NY 10
4%
OH 8
3%
WA 8
3%
GA 7
3%
NC 7
3%
TN 6
3%
VA 6
3%
AL 5
2%
NV 5
2%
AR 5
2%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
18805
18885
18925
18975
19009
190111
190210
190310
19048
190511
190619
190713
190819
190918
191023
191117
191222
191312
191435
191540
191647
191762
191864
191975
192088
192198
192293
1923106
1924111
1925125
192696
1927126
1928112
192992
193097
193186
193299
193388
193481
193577
193660
193781
193889
193985
194080
194183
1942103
194388
1944128
1945122
1946117
1947154
1948123
1949139
1950124
1951134
1952100
1953123
1954160
1955122
1956136
1957149
1958144
1959159
1960142
1961152
1962165
1963149
1964158
1965140
1966143
1967159
1968156
1969162
1970174
1971186
1972159
1973173
1974172
1975190
1976172
1977178
1978172
1979172
1980221
1981226
1982180
1983199
1984162
1985176
1986185
1987178
1988157
1989172
1990186
1991215
1992189
1993223
1994209
1995233
1996221
1997217
1998227
1999238
2000227
2001246
2002245
2003277
2004236
2005259
2006302
2007273
2008294
2009254
2010240
2011230
2012212
2013242
2014237
2015236
2016215
2017208
2018205
2019220
2020243
2021273
2022277
2023314
2024297