"saints, the holy ones"
Origin: Latin sanctus (holy)
Language: Spanish/Portuguese
Santos
Pronunciation: [ s-ANT-ohs ]
Does Santos flow with your last name?
A deeply devotional name meaning all the saints
Spanish
Portuguese
Latin American
Filipino
Italian
Spiritual
Classic
Strong
Traditional
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Nicknames
Nicknames for Santos
2 shorthand options for every setting
Meaning & Origin
"consecrated to God"
Origin: Latin
Language: Latin
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The Story of Santos
Santos is the Spanish and Portuguese plural of Santo (saint), derived from the Latin sanctus meaning holy or consecrated. It functions as both a given name and surname throughout the Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking world. The name was traditionally given to children born near All Saints Day (November 1st, Dia de Todos los Santos), making it a devotional name tied to the Catholic calendar.
Santos has been used as a given name in Latin America, Spain, Portugal, and the Philippines for centuries. It remains a staple name in many Spanish-speaking communities and also functions widely as a surname across Latin America and among Latino Americans.
In Catholic tradition, All Saints Day (Dia de Todos los Santos) on November 1st is a major feast day honoring all saints. Children born on or near this date have traditionally been named Santos in Spanish-speaking Catholic cultures.
Historical Record
Santos first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 14,901 babies have been named Santos in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Santos is a hidden gem — rare but distinctive , currently ranked #832 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Santos is both a first name and one of the most common surnames in Brazil and Latin America
- The Brazilian city of Santos in Sao Paulo state is one of the most important ports in South America and was the home club of Pele
Santos in Other Languages
Latin
Sanctus (root)
Italian
Santi
Spanish
Santos
Portuguese
Santos
Popularity Over Time
#832
Current Rank
Stable
Trend
Hidden Gem
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Santos
S
Santos Dumont
Engineer
1873
Brazilian aviation pioneer who designed and flew the first powered airship and early fixed-wing aircraft
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Compare Santos with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #832
- Total SSA Count
- 297
- Cultural Origins
- Spanish Portuguese Latin American Filipino Italian
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Santi
San
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, Spanish heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Classic pairing, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, Spanish heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, Spanish heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Classic pairing, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, Spanish heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Classic pairing, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Santos
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Santos is also used as a girl name, ranked #71289.
View Santos as a girl name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Santos
What does the name Santos mean?
"saints, the holy ones" (from Latin sanctus (holy)). "consecrated to God" (from Latin). Santos is the Spanish and Portuguese plural of Santo (saint), derived from the Latin sanctus meaning holy or consecrated. It functions as both a given name and surname throughout the Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking world. The name was traditionally given to children born near All Saints Day (November 1st, Dia de Todos los Santos), making it a devotional name tied to the Catholic calendar.
What is the origin of the name Santos?
Santos has Latin sanctus (holy), Latin, Spanish, Portuguese, Latin American, Filipino, and Italian origins. In Latin sanctus (holy), it means "saints, the holy ones". In Latin, it means "consecrated to God".
Is Santos a boy or girl name?
Santos is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #832. As a girl name, it is ranked #71289. Santos is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Santos?
Santos is pronounced s-ANT-ohs.
How popular is the name Santos?
Santos is currently ranked #832 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Santos?
Common nicknames for Santos include Santi and San.
What are good middle names for Santos?
Popular middle name pairings include Santos Angel, Santos Miguel, Santos Jose, Santos Luis, Santos Antonio, Santos Emilio, and Santos Alejandro.
What are good sibling names for Santos?
Names that pair well with Santos as siblings include Jesus, Angel, Carmen, Cruz, Pilar, Santiago, and Esperanza.
How many syllables does Santos have?
Santos has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Santos a common or rare name?
Santos is moderately common, ranked #832 for boys in the US. You will encounter it, but it stands out.
What boy names are similar to Santos?
About the Name Santos
Santos is a boy name with Spanish, Portuguese, Latin American, Filipino, and Italian origins . The name means "saints, the holy ones" in Latin sanctus (holy) .
Is Santos a boy or girl name? Santos is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #832 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #71,289. Santos is more commonly used as a boy name.
Santos is currently ranked #832 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Santos has 2 syllables and is pronounced s-ANT-ohs, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Santos include Santi and San. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Santos include Santiago, Santino, Santana, Santi, Santiel . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis