Surname Sanches - Meaning and Origin

Unveiling My-lineage: Discovering the Journey of 'Sanches' Through an iGENEA DNA Test

Using an iGENEA DNA test, I managed to uncover fascinating information about my maternal lineage, tracing my roots back to Spain. The historical journey of the Sanches surname unraveled as I discovered its origin in religious circles, migration patterns across Europe, and significant contributions of my ancestors to diverse fields in society, painting a picture of resilience, perseverance, and cultural diversity.

N. Sanches

Sanches: What does the surname Sanches mean?

The surname Sanches is of Spanish and Portuguese origin and it signifies "Son of Sancho." The name Sancho, rooted in Latin, comes from the word "Sanctus," which translates to "saint" or "holy." Consequently, the surname Sanches can be interpreted as "Son of the Holy." It's a patronymic surname, implying it was originally derived from the father's given name to establish familial lineage. Throughout various cultures and generations, it has various spellings including Sanchez in Spanish. Being a common name in the Iberian Peninsula, it's widely spread among Hispanic and Portuguese-speaking populations across the globe. The name's popularity rose due to the veneration of multiple Catholic saints named Sancho. Notable people bearing the Sanches surname include the Portuguese professional footballer Renato Sanches and Brazilian musician Emílio Santiago.

Sanches: Where does the name Sanches come from?

The last name Sanches is most commonly found in the Spanish-speaking countries of Latin America, especially in Mexico, Colombia, and Brazil. It is also very prevalent in the United States, particularly in Florida, California, and Texas, which all have large Spanish-speaking populations.

The Sanches surname has its origins in the Galicia region of northwestern Spain. It is derived from the Latin word sanctus, meaning “holy” or “sacred”. This became the surname Sancho in Spanish, and was adopted by several families in Galicia over time. As these families migrated to other Spanish-speaking regions, the name spread and eventually mutated to Sanches.

The Sanches family is believed to have been related to the powerful Castilian kings, and some historians claim that they even gave the name to the Spanish royal family. Today, however, the most significant legacy that the Sanches family has left is their surname, which continues to be very popular all over the Spanish-speaking world.

Variations of the surname Sanches

Sanches is a surname found primarily in Spain and Portugal, derived from the first name Sancho. It is also spelled as Sáncez or Sanchés. Sanches can also be found spelled as Sanchez, Sanchez-Flores, Sanchiz, Sanchies, Sancho, Sanchos, Sánchez, Sesma, Sanches de Freitas, and Sanche de Santiago.

In Spain, the surname Sanches is most common in the northern region, particularly in Galicia and Asturias. In Portugal, it is found all over the country. This surname is also found in some former Spanish and Portuguese colonies, such as Argentina, Uruguay, Mexico, the Caribbean islands, and in some parts of the United States.

The variants of Sanches come from the grammar or syntax of the first name Sancho, in which suffixes like “ez”, “is”, or “es” are added. Despite this, the surname is purported to be derived from the Latin name Sanctius, which means holy.

In some countries, like the United States, the name Sanches is associated with Hispanic lineages, although it is nevertheless shared by people of all ancestries and culture. The ultimate etymology of this surname, whether it comes from Latin, Arabic, or Spanish, remains undetermined. Whether rooted in a religious or secular aspect, the surname Sanches has spanned many generations and carried its bearer's stories through the ages.

Famous people with the name Sanches

• David Sánchez: A tenor saxophonist and Grammy Award-winning jazz artist.
• Luis Fernando Sanches: A professional Brazilian soccer player.
• Chay Sanche: A fashion model and actress from Puerto Rico.
• Roberto Sánchez: An American Dominican-born playwright, director, and choreographer.
• Sérgio Sanches: A Brazilian midfielder who played for the Brazilian soccer team Flamengo.
• Amanda Sanches: A Brazilian actress and television host.
• Gabriel (787) Sanches: A Puerto Rican singer, songwriter, and producer.
• Antonio Sanches: A contemporary Brazilian avant-garde director and screenwriter.
• Salomão Sanches Sarmento: A Brazilian politician active in the state of Bahia.
• Filipe Sanches: A tie-in author of Star Wars novels.

Other surnames

SanchezSanchi