Santo

♂ Boy

Pronounced SAHN-toh /ˈsɑn.toʊ/High

Meaning: Saint, holy; from Latin sanctus, used as a given name in Italian and SpanishHigh

In 30 seconds: Holiness, stated plainly: Santo is Italian and Spanish for 'saint'. In Mexico it also wore a silver mask — the legendary luchador El Santo.

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Origin HighItalian, Latin, Spanish

MeaningSaint, holy; from Latin sanctus, used as a given name in Italian and Spanish

U.S. rank (2025)#3643 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births31 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year1925

Total births (all-time)≈ 4,875

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Santo comes straight from Latin sanctus, 'holy' — a given name in Italy (often honoring Ognissanti, All Saints) and across the Spanish-speaking world, with Santos the plural sibling. Sicilian and southern Italian families carried it to America in the great migration.

Mexico's El Santo — wrestler, folk hero, film star — gave the name its most charismatic bearer. In the U.S. it is rare and warmly old-country, with Sonny a natural nickname.

Did you know? El Santo, Mexico's masked wrestling icon, was so beloved he was buried in his silver mask — and his name still means heroism to generations of fans.

Overall data confidence 92%

Behind the Name — Santo — etymology

Variations

SantosSantinoSante

Nicknames

SonnyTito

Famous Bearers

★El Santo (1917-1984)
Mexican masked professional wrestler and film star, born Rodolfo Guzman Huerta
★Santo Versace (1944-)
Italian businessman who co-founded the Versace fashion house
★Santo Loquasto (1944-)
American production, set and costume designer for stage and film
★Santo Trafficante Jr. (1914-1987)
American Mafia boss in Florida and Cuba

If you like Santo…

Santos— the plural form common in Spanish naming

Santino— the 'little saint' diminutive of Godfather fame

Salvatore— a fellow salvation-themed Italian classic

Angelo— another holy Italian staple of the same era

Explore names like Santo

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Santo mean?

Santo is Italian and Spanish for 'saint' or 'holy', from Latin sanctus.

How do you pronounce Santo?

It's said SAHN-toh /ˈsɑn.toʊ/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Santo a boy or girl name?

Santo is a boy's name; Santa is the feminine in Italian tradition.

How popular is Santo?

Santo is a rare name in the U.S., a vintage Italian-American and Mexican signature.