The name Santos is of Spanish origin and it means "holy" or "saint". It is a masculine given name that has been used for centuries in Spanish-speaking countries and beyond.
The name Santos has its roots in the Latin word "sanctus", which means holy or saintly. In Spain, the name was often given to children born around religious holidays such as Christmas or Easter. Over time, it became popular throughout the Hispanic world, including Mexico, South America, and the Philippines.
One famous person with the name Santos is the Brazilian footballer Pelé, whose real name is Edson Arantes do Nascimento. He was nicknamed "O Rei" (the king) and won three World Cups with Brazil's national team. Another notable figure is the Spanish explorer Miguel López de Legazpi, who founded Manila in the Philippines in 1571.
Today, Santos remains a popular choice for parents seeking a name that has a strong connection to religious tradition while also sounding modern and stylish. It is often used as both a first and middle name, and can also be found as a surname throughout Latin America. Despite its holy origins, the name Santos does not have any particular celebrations or holidays associated with it beyond those related to saints' days in general.
"The name Santos experienced significant fluctuations in popularity over time, with a peak of 100 births in 1924 and a low of 5 births in several recent years."