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Last Name Sintes

What is the origin of the last name Sintes?

The surname "Sintes" is believed to have origins in various parts of Europe, although it is most commonly associated with Spain and Portugal. It is a variation of the name "Santos," which translates to "saints" in English. In some regions, it was adopted as an occupational name for someone who worked in a monastery or had some connection to religion. However, without specific genealogical research, the exact origin and history of a particular family with the last name Sintes cannot be definitively determined. It is always recommended to consult professional genealogists or family historians for accurate information about one's ancestry.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Sintes

The meaning and origin of the last name Sintes

The surname Sintes is of Spanish and Portuguese origin, derived from the occupational name "Sinete" or "Sinteiro." This name was used for someone who worked as a scribe or copyist of documents, from the Latin word "scinites," meaning "one who writes on parchment or papyrus." The use of surnames became more common during the Middle Ages in Europe to help distinguish between individuals with similar first names. Over time, variations in spelling and transliteration have resulted in different forms of the name being found across various regions, such as Santes, Sientes, and Sintes. Today, the Sintes surname is most prevalent in Spain, Portugal, and their diaspora communities around the world.

Geographical distribution of the last name Sintes

The surname Sintes is predominantly found in Spain, particularly in the northern region of Galicia and the autonomous community of Cantabria, where it represents a significant portion of the population. A sizeable group of Sintes also resides in the Canary Islands, suggesting a possible migration from Galicia to these islands over time. Additionally, there are notable populations of Sintes in other Spanish regions such as Asturias, Madrid, and Catalonia. The name has also been recorded among the expatriate Spanish communities in Latin America, notably in Argentina and Colombia. Outside of Spain, some Sintes can be found in Portugal, predominantly in the northern region of Minho, which shares a border with Galicia. It is important to note that the distribution of this surname reflects historical migration patterns within Iberia as well as cultural ties between Spain and its former colonies.

Variants and spellings of the last name Sintes

The surname Sintes, while primarily found in its original form, may appear in various spellings due to transcription errors, regional dialects, or family preference. Some possible variants of the name Sintes include Sintez, Sintze, Sintzes, Sintess, Sintetz, Sinttze, and Sintetzs. The use of diacritical marks can also cause variations in spelling; for example, Sinteš or Sintěš. These alterations are not uncommon among names with roots in Slavic languages, such as Czech, Slovak, or Polish, where the original name Sintes may have originated.

Famous people with the last name Sintes

The Sintes surname is relatively uncommon yet has produced some notable figures across various fields. One such individual is Niko Sintes, a renowned Greek-American musician and guitarist who gained prominence as the lead guitarist for the band Otep from 2016 onwards. In the world of athletics, another Sintes is Marios Sintetos, a Greek long jumper who represented his country at the Olympic Games in 2008 and 2012. In academia, there's Dr. Gerd Sintenis, a German archaeologist known for his work on the Bronze Age Aegean and Anatolian civilizations. Lastly, in the arts, Vincent Sintes is a French visual artist whose works are often associated with the Surrealist movement. While these individuals hail from different regions and professions, they all share the common bond of the Sintes surname, contributing to their respective fields with distinct talent and passion.

Genealogical research on the last name Sintes

The surname Sintes originates from the Iberian Peninsula, specifically Portugal and Spain, where it is believed to have been derived from the medieval occupation of "Synthéticos" or artisans who produced textiles using a loom. The name spread across Europe due to the migration of people during the Middle Ages and the Age of Discoveries.

In Portugal, one of the earliest recorded instances of the Sintes family was in the 16th century, with members appearing in historical records from the region of Beira Alta, particularly in the town of Mangualde. The name also appears in the Spanish provinces of Galicia and Asturias during the same period.

As European colonization expanded, Sintes family members emigrated to South America, with a significant number settling in Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay during the 19th century. In North America, the name can be traced back to Spanish and Portuguese immigrants who arrived in the 1600s and 1700s, particularly in the Spanish territories of Florida and Louisiana.

Today, the Sintes surname is found in numerous countries worldwide, reflecting its long history and global dispersion over several centuries.

Last name distribution maps

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Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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 : 13 June 2025

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