Surname Santiago - Meaning and Origin
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G. Santiago
read moreSantiago: What does the surname Santiago mean?
Santiago is a Spanish surname that means "Saint James". It is derived from the Latin Sanctus Jacobus. It gets its origins from the apostle Saint James the Great who is the patron saint of Spain. The name is highly popular in Spanish and Portuguese-speaking countries. St. James is often depicted as a warrior on horseback, which led to his patronage of soldiers and those in military service. The name Santiago can be commonly found as a place name, such as Santiago de Compostela, a famous pilgrimage site in Spain where the remains of Saint James are believed to be buried. This surname carries religious and geographic significance and is cultural and historical in its essence.
Order DNA origin analysisSantiago: Where does the name Santiago come from?
The last name Santiago is common today throughout the Spanish-speaking world. In Spain, where the name originated, it is among the most common surnames. It is also amongst the top ten most common surnames in Mexico, Puerto Rico, and other Latin American countries. Additionally, it is also popular amongst African-Americans and other Spanish-speaking communities in the United States. As a result of Spanish colonization, the last name can also be found in the Philippines.
The origin of the name Santiago is uncertain. It is believed by some to come from the Latin word "santus," meaning holy. Others say the name derives from the Latin "augusta," meaning grand. The connection can be seen in the several meanings associated with the name, such as belief, trust, and faith.
Despite its Latin origin, the name Santiago is also present in various non-Latin cultures, having undergone variations in spelling. The name can be found in African, French, and even Greek cultures.
The popularity of the name Santiago lies in its simplicity. It speaks to a sense of veneration of the sacred, as well as being timeless and traditional. Its popularity today reflects the power of culture and language, the influence of Latin American immigration, and its religious heritage. Regardless of its origin, the name Santiago continues to be a respected last name.
Variations of the surname Santiago
Santiago is a Spanish, Portuguese and Filipino surname derived from the biblical figure of James, son of Zebedee. Variations and spelling happen when the name is taken from different language origins; these can be sometimes pronounced similarly and bear no relation.
Common variants of Santiago include Santhiago, Santjago, Santiagio, and even Santygia.
The Portuguese and Spanish equivalent of Santiago, which is derived from the Latin Iacobus, is Iago, Iacobus, Jacobo and Jacobus, meaning James in English.
Filipinos with the last name may spell it Santyago or Santiago.
In Spain, Santiago is sometimes accompanied by the suffix “ez” meaning “son of”. For example, The Spanish form of the name “Santiago” could be “Santiaguez”.
In Portugal, any of these forms are common: Santiagues, Santigues, Santigas, Santiguos, Xantiago and Santiagas.
In some parts of Mexico where the indigenous languages were preserved the variations are Santiaga, Santiagui, and Santyagui.
In Italy, it is S.antiago or even Santo Giaggo.
Many of these spellings have been adopted in the U.S. today such as Sontag, Santiga, Santogia, Santogio, Santigo, and Xantiago.
No matter the spelling, the surname Santiago is shared by generations, connected through their common linguistic and cultural heritage.
Famous people with the name Santiago
- Prince Royce Santiago: Latin American singer, songwriter, record producer, and actor from The Bronx, New York.
- Adriana Santiaga: Venezuelan film and television actress, and former beauty pageant titleholder.
- Mac Santiago: Filipino actor best known for his roles in the drama series Pintados and Luna Blanca.
- Emilio Santiago: Brazilian singer and composer, widely regarded as a pioneer of bossa nova.
- J.J. Santiago: former soccer player from Puerto Rico.
- Luis Alberto Santiago: Cuban-Canadian artist best known for his work in the field of abstract art.
- Axel Santiago: Dominican footballer who plays currently as a forward for Independiente del Valle in Ecuador.
- Idalis Santiago: Puerto Rican actress who is best known for her roles in a number of Spanish language soap operas.
- Bella Santiago: Romanian singer, songwriter, and record producer.
- Sam Santiago: Australian human rights and refugee lawyer.