Last Name Desantis

The last name "DeSantis" is of Italian origin. It is derived from the Italian personal name "Sante," derived from the Latin name "Sanctus," meaning "holy" or "sacred." The prefix "De" in Italian surnames generally signifies "of" or "from," indicating a connection to a particular individual or place. Therefore, "DeSantis" might originally have been a surname used to identify someone as being "of Sante" or "from Sante." Over time, this name evolved into "DeSantis."

Learn more about the origin of the last name Desantis

The meaning and origin of the last name Desantis

The surname "DeSantis" is of Italian origin and is primarily found in the Southern regions of Italy, specifically in the regions of Campania and Calabria. The name itself is a patronymic surname, meaning it originated as a patronym, or a name derived from the name of a father or ancestor. In this case, "DeSantis" means "son of Santo" or "descendant of Santo." Santo is a common given name in Italy, derived from the Latin word "sanctus," meaning "saint." The surname "DeSantis" likely originated as a way to distinguish between individuals with the same given name. It would have been used to identify someone as belonging to the Santos family or lineage. Over time, this patronymic name became a hereditary surname passed down through generations. As Italian immigrants migrated to different parts of the world, including North America, the surname "DeSantis" followed, contributing to its presence in various countries today.

Geographical distribution of the last name Desantis

The last name "DeSantis" has a geographical distribution that is primarily rooted in Italy. Originating from Italy, specifically from the region of Campania, the name Desantis is commonly found in cities like Naples, Salerno, and Benevento. As Italy experienced mass emigration during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, individuals with the surname DeSantis migrated to various countries around the world, leading to a wider distribution of the name. Today, significant populations of individuals with the last name DeSantis can be found in countries such as the United States, Canada, Argentina, and Brazil. In the United States, particularly in the state of Florida, the name has gained prominence due to the political presence of individuals like Governor Ron DeSantis. Overall, while the name DeSantis is most concentrated in Italy, it has also spread to regions with significant Italian diaspora, leaving its mark in various corners of the globe.

Variants and spellings of the last name Desantis

The last name Desantis has a few variations and spellings, reflecting the different ways it has been recorded and passed down through generations. Variations of this surname include De Santis, DeSantis, and De Zantis. The addition or omission of spaces, capitalization, and letter arrangements are common factors that create these variations. Other potential spellings may include De Santes, De Zante, and De Saintis. These variations can be attributed to factors such as regional dialects, immigration patterns, or simple human error in transcribing or recording names over time. For example, an Italian-speaking individual hailing from Southern Italy might use "De Santis" as their preferred spelling, while someone from a different region may favor "De Zantis." It is also worth noting that as families moved across borders, names could undergo further modifications to adapt to new languages or phonetic sounds. Ultimately, the variations and spellings of the last name Desantis highlight the rich histories and diverse roots of those who bear this surname.

Famous people with the last name Desantis

One famous individual with the last name DeSantis is Ron DeSantis, an American politician who currently serves as the Governor of Florida. Born in 1978, DeSantis began his political career as a member of the United States Navy, serving as a member of the Judge Advocate General Corps. Later, he was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2012, representing Florida's 6th congressional district. With his conservative ideologies and firm stance on issues such as immigration and gun rights, he gained recognition within the Republican Party. After being elected as the Governor of Florida in 2018, DeSantis has continued to make national headlines due to his policies and response to various challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic. Governor Ron DeSantis is often considered a prominent figure within the Republican Party and a potential contender for higher political offices in the future.

Genealogical research on the last name Desantis

The last name Desantis is of Italian origin, specifically from the southern region of Italy. The name derives from the Latin root "sanctus," meaning "saint," suggesting a possible ancestral connection to religious devotion or spiritual ancestry. Further research reveals that the Desantis surname is most commonly found in the Campania and Puglia regions of Italy. Historical records indicate that individuals with the last name Desantis have resided in these areas for many generations, establishing roots in local communities. As with many surnames, variations exist, such as De Santis or De Sanctis, indicating different spellings that families may have adopted over time. Tracing the genealogy of the Desantis name may require delving into birth, marriage, and death records maintained by local churches or civil offices in Italy, as well as exploring historical migration patterns to trace global branches of the family.

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Desantis"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 11 April 2025

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