Last Name Santana

The surname Santana is of Spanish and Portuguese origin. It is derived from the word "santum" which means "holy" in Latin. Over time, it has been used to denote a person who lived near a church or monastery, or someone who was associated with the clergy. It is also common among people of Latin American descent.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Santana

The meaning and origin of the last name Santana

The surname Santana is of Spanish and Portuguese origin, derived from the Latin word "sanctus" which means holy or saintly. It was originally used to identify individuals associated with a church or religious institution. Over time, it spread beyond Spain and Portugal into other regions with significant Iberian influence, such as South America, where it is commonly found today among Hispanic populations. In Brazil, the name Santana became especially popular due to its association with the city of Santo Antônio de Pádua, known for its famous church dedicated to Saint Anthony of Padua. The surname has also been borne by numerous notable individuals in various fields throughout history, including musicians Carlos Santana and Alexis Santos, tennis player Gabriela Santos, and Brazilian politician Jair Bolsonaro.

Geographical distribution of the last name Santana

The last name Santana is predominantly distributed across Portuguese-speaking regions, particularly in Portugal and Brazil. In Portugal, it is one of the most common surnames, reflecting its historical roots dating back to the Moorish occupation. In Brazil, it ranks among the top 15 most common surnames due to its widespread usage among people with African ancestry during the colonial era when many African slaves were given Portuguese names. The name has also migrated with Portuguese and Brazilian populations to other parts of the world, such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and Angola, where it is found in significant numbers. It is worth noting that Santana is also a common place name, which may contribute to its dispersal across various geographical locations.

Variants and spellings of the last name Santana

The surname Santana has several variations and spellings. Some common ones include: Santana, San Tana, de Santana, dos Santos, Santan, Santanna, Santani, Santano, Santon, Santoni, and Sandon. These variations may result from differences in spelling conventions, regional dialects, or assimilation into other cultures. The name Santana is of Spanish origin and means "Saint John" or "Holy John." It is a popular name throughout Latin America, Portugal, and Spain. In some cases, the surname may also have origins in Italy or Greece, where it could mean something like "from Santa Ana," a town or place named after Saint Anne. The correct spelling of the name depends on individual family history and preferences.

Famous people with the last name Santana

Carlos Santana, a renowned figure born on July 20, 1947, is one of the most celebrated musicians with the surname Santana. Known for his unique blend of rock, Latin American and African musical styles, he gained international recognition with his band, Santana, in the late 1960s. Their eponymous debut album, released in 1969, contained the hit single "Evil Ways," and their follow-up album, Abraxas (1970), featured the iconic track "Black Magic Woman." The band won a historic ten Grammy Awards for Abraxas. Another notable Santana is Chick Corea, born on June 12, 1941, an influential American jazz pianist and composer who has worked with numerous artists across various genres. His most significant contributions include the development of jazz-rock fusion in the 1970s, with albums like Light as a Feather (1968) and Return to Forever (1972). Both Carlos Santana and Chick Corea have left indelible marks on contemporary music.

Genealogical research on the last name Santana

The surname Santana is of Spanish and Portuguese origin, deriving from the word "santana," meaning "holy place" or "sanctuary." This patronymic name was commonly given to children born in or near a church or shrine dedicated to a saint, reflecting the strong Catholic influence in both countries. The first recorded instances of the Santana surname date back to medieval Spain and Portugal, with early bearers including Alvaro Sanctana in 13th-century Castile, Spain and Joao Sanchana in 14th-century Portugal. As waves of Spanish and Portuguese explorers, conquerors, and settlers dispersed across the globe during the Age of Discovery, the Santana surname was also carried to South America, Africa, and Asia. Notable individuals bearing this name include Brazilian musician Carlos Santana, Portuguese soccer player Cristiano Ronaldo, and Spanish author Gabriel García Márquez. Today, Santana is a common surname in Spain, Portugal, and their former colonies, particularly Brazil, where it ranks among the top 10 most common surnames.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Santana"
• 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 June 2025

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