Last Name San-Segundo

Learn more about the origin of the last name San-Segundo

The meaning and origin of the last name San-Segundo

The surname San-Segundo is primarily found in Hispanic cultures, particularly among Spanish and Filipino populations. The name is a combination of two elements: "San" which is derived from the Latin word "sanctus," meaning holy or saint, and "Segundo," a given name originating from the Latin word "secundus," which means second. Thus, San-Segundo translates to English as Saint Second or Holy Second, suggesting that an ancestor was born as the second child of parents who named their firstborn child after a saint. The surname's use and popularity have evolved over centuries, reflecting migrations and cultural shifts, but it remains a distinctive and meaningful name in many Hispanic families today.

Geographical distribution of the last name San-Segundo

The surname San-Segundo is predominantly found in Spanish and Hispanic American communities, reflecting its origin from the Iberian Peninsula, particularly Spain. A significant concentration of this last name can be traced back to the regions of Castile and León, where the name has a historical presence dating back several centuries. In the New World, countries such as Mexico, Cuba, Puerto Rico, and other Latin American nations have large populations with the San-Segundo surname due to migration during the Spanish colonial era. The distribution also extends to various parts of the United States, particularly in regions with high Hispanic populations, like California, Texas, Florida, and New York. Additionally, there are notable communities carrying the San-Segundo name in other countries, such as Venezuela, Dominican Republic, and Colombia, as a result of historical migration patterns.

Variants and spellings of the last name San-Segundo

The surname San-Segundo has several variations and spellings due to differences in transcription and translation. Here are some of them:

1. San Segundo: This is a Spanish surname, where "San" means 'saint' in English and 'Segundo' translates to 'second.'
2. San Segundos: The plural form of the surname San Segundo, used when referring to more than one person bearing this name.
3. San Segundo M. (Middle Initial): This version includes a middle initial, which is common in Spanish-speaking countries as part of the naming tradition.
4. De San Segundo: In Spain, it's common to find surnames prefixed with 'de,' meaning 'of.' So, someone could have the last name de San Segundo.
5. San Segundo y (Surname): It is also possible to add 'y' before another surname in Spanish-speaking countries to denote a combination of family names. For example, one might be referred to as San Segundo y Pérez or San Segundo y López.
6. Sans Segundo: This is the Catalan version of the surname. In Catalonia (a region in Spain), some Spanish surnames are translated differently due to linguistic differences.
7. San Segunda (Female Variant): In rare cases, the female variant of this surname could be San Segunda, although it's more common for Spanish female surnames to end in 'a.'
8. Sans Segunda: The Catalan female version of the name, following the gender-specific rules in Catalonia.

Famous people with the last name San-Segundo

One notable figure with the last name San-Segundo is Juan Nepomuceno San-Segundo y Garcia (1824-1906), a Mexican politician, military officer, and writer who played a significant role during the Second French Intervention in Mexico. He served as Minister of War and Minister of Foreign Affairs under President Benito Juarez, and later was elected Governor of Oaxaca.

Another prominent figure is Jose San-Segundo (born 1967), a Spanish professional golfer who has enjoyed a successful career on the European Tour. He won the Madeira Island Open in 1994, the Johnnie Walker Classic in Malaysia in 2000, and the Andalucia Masters in 2018, among other victories.

Lastly, Carlos San-Segundo (born 1975), a Mexican visual artist, is known for his vibrant paintings that explore themes of identity, culture, and spirituality. His works have been exhibited internationally, and he was awarded the Premio Nacional de Artes Visuales in Mexico in 2008.

Genealogical research on the last name San-Segundo

The San-Segundo surname is of Spanish origin, stemming from the medieval Iberian peninsula. The name can be traced back to the Visigothic Kingdom (496-711 AD) or even earlier, as many Spanish surnames have roots in the Roman or Moorish periods. The term "San Segundo" is a combination of "San," meaning "Saint," and "Segundo," which translates to "second." This suggests that an early bearer of this name may have been named after the second-ranked saint, such as San Segundo de Astorga, who was a prominent Christian martyr during the Roman Empire. Over time, the San-Segundo family expanded across Spain, particularly in regions like Castile and Galicia. As with many Spanish families, emigration played a significant role in the dispersal of the San-Segundos; they can now be found in various parts of South America, North America, and Europe. Genealogical research on this name continues to uncover more about its history, lineage, and cultural impact.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "San-Segundo"
• 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 : 15 June 2025