The last name Santos originates primarily from Portugal and Spain. It is a common surname in these regions and countries with historical ties to them, meaning "Saints."
The surname "Santos" literally translates to "Saints" from both Portuguese and Spanish. It is often a habitational name or a religious one, referring to someone who was born on All Saints' Day (Dia de Todos os Santos) or who lived near a church dedicated to all saints.
Regional Origin
The primary regions of origin for the Santos surname are:
- Portugal: Highly prevalent throughout the country.
- Spain: Also very common, particularly in Galicia and other regions.
Due to the historical influence of the Iberian Peninsula (Portugal and Spain) through exploration and colonization, the Santos surname is now widely found across the globe, especially in:
- Latin America (e.g., Brazil, Mexico, Colombia)
- The Philippines
- Parts of Africa (e.g., Angola, Mozambique)
Common Variant Forms
The Santos surname has several variations that have evolved over time or through different linguistic adaptations. These variants often include prefixes or slight spelling changes.
Here is a list of common variant forms:
- Dos Santos: Meaning "of the Saints," indicating a connection to a place or family associated with saints.
- De Los Santos: A Spanish equivalent of "Dos Santos."
- De Santo
- De Santos
- Del Santo
- Santi
- Santis
- Santiz
- Senti
- Sentis
- Sanctorum (Latin origin)
For a clearer overview, here's a table summarizing the origin and meaning:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Saints |
| Region of Origin | Portugal, Spain |
| Common Variants | Dos Santos, De Los Santos, Santi, Santis, Sentis, etc. |
The widespread presence of the Santos surname across continents is a testament to the historical movements of people from the Iberian Peninsula.
