SANTO
Santo
Santo is a British surname of Italian origin, derived from the word santo meaning "saint" or "holy" in Italian. The surname is commonly found in regions with historical ties to Italy.
Origins
The Santo surname is believed to have originated in Italy and later spread to other countries, including Britain, through migration and historical connections between the two countries. Many individuals bearing the surname Santo can trace their ancestry to Italian immigrants who settled in Britain.
Distribution
The Santo surname is relatively rare in Britain compared to its prevalence in Italy, but there are still individuals and families with this surname scattered across the country. The surname can be found in various regions of Britain, with concentrations in areas that historically attracted Italian immigrants or had strong Italian communities.
Notable Individuals
1. Giorgio Santo
- A fictional character in British author Agatha Christie's novel Peril at End House.
2. Maria Santo
- A renowned chef who popularised Italian cuisine in Britain through her cooking shows and cookbooks.
Cultural Significance
The Santo surname serves as a reminder of the cultural exchange and immigration patterns between Britain and Italy. Individuals with the Santo surname often maintain ties to their Italian heritage, preserving traditions and contributing to the diverse cultural tapestry of Britain.
There are approximately 229 people named Santo in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around four in a million people in Britain are named Santo.
Origin: Iberian
Region of origin: Europe
Country of origin: Spain
Religion of origin: Christian
Language of origin: Spanish
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Andrew
- Antonio
- Christian
- James
- John
- Jose
- Luis
- Mark
- Martin
- Reginald
- Sam
Female
- Ana
- Angela
- Anne
- Claire
- Denise
- Maria
- Mary
- Rebecca
- Sally
- Samantha
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.