Santos
The origin of the surname Santos
Santos means “saints,” often from the feast of All Saints (Todos os Santos).
How Portuguese surnames work
Portuguese surnames classically use the patronymic ending “-es” (“son of”), as in Fernandes, Gonçalves and Rodrigues. Alongside these are religious and nature-based names — Santos (“saints”), da Silva (“of the forest”), Pereira (“pear tree”) — and locational names introduced by “de” or “da.” Portuguese-speaking families traditionally carry more than one surname, combining the mother's and father's lines.
Frequently asked questions
What does the surname Santos mean?
The surname Santos means Saints. Santos means “saints,” often from the feast of All Saints (Todos os Santos).
Where does the surname Santos come from?
Santos is a surname of Portuguese origin.
What kind of surname is Santos?
Santos is a other surname.
How common is the surname Santos in the United States?
Santos is the 279th most common surname in the United States (2010 U.S. Census), recorded for about 98,993 people.