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Santos

♂ Boy

Pronounced SAHN-tohs /ˈsɑn.toʊs/High

Meaning: Saints or holy ones; from the Spanish and Portuguese santos, plural of santo meaning saint, from Latin sanctus meaning holyHigh

In 30 seconds: Santos means saints in Spanish and Portuguese, a deeply devotional name from Latin sanctus (holy), popular across Latin America and the Philippines as a surname and given name honoring the Catholic feast of All Saints.
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Origin HighSpanish, Latin, Portuguese
MeaningSaints or holy ones; from the Spanish and Portuguese santos, plural of santo meaning saint, from Latin sanctus meaning holy
U.S. rank (2025)#766 ↗ Rising
2025 U.S. births337 boys (0.02% of U.S. boys)
Peak year2025
Total births (all-time)≈ 18,810

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 202518802025

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Santos derives from the Spanish and Portuguese plural of santo (saint), from Latin sanctus meaning holy or consecrated. It is related to the English words saint, sanctify, and sanctuary. As a given name it reflects the Catholic tradition of naming children after saints or holy concepts, with the plural form honoring all saints collectively.

Santos is common as both a surname and given name in Spanish-speaking Latin America, particularly in Mexico, Brazil, and the Philippines. In the United States it appears among Hispanic communities and has been in the national top 1,000 boys names. Several Latin American political figures have borne this name.

Did you know? Dia de Todos los Santos (All Saints Day) on November 1st is a major Catholic holiday, and children born around this time in Spanish-speaking Catholic families have traditionally been named Santos or Santa in its honor, giving the name a specific liturgical birthday connection.
Overall data confidence 97%
Behind the Name — Santos — Spanish etymology and Catholic usageU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

SantoSantaSantino

Nicknames

SantiSancho

Famous Bearers

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If you like Santos…

Santiago— shares the saint-name Catholic tradition and Spanish heritage
Salvador— same deeply Catholic Spanish name with a powerful religious meaning
Santo— the singular form of the same word and naming tradition
Felix— shares the Latin religious virtue-name tradition and Latin American use

Frequently Asked

What does the name Santos mean?

Santos means saints or holy ones, from Spanish and Portuguese santos, plural of santo, from Latin sanctus (holy).

How do you pronounce Santos?

It is said SAHN-tohs, two syllables with stress on the first.

Is Santos a Spanish name?

Yes, Santos is a Spanish and Portuguese name deeply rooted in Catholic tradition, used across Latin America and the Philippines.

Is Santos a first name or last name?

Santos is used as both a surname and given first name in Spanish and Portuguese-speaking cultures.