All surnames

Portuguese surname

Santos

Saints

Religious surname

Santos is a Portuguese and Spanish surname meaning 'saints'. It often originated as a religious name referring to All Saints’ Day or to a person born or baptized on that day. The name is extremely common in Portugal, Brazil, and other Portuguese-speaking regions.

It ranks among the top surnames in Brazil. Related forms include Dos Santos. The surname reflects the strong Catholic culture of the Portuguese world.

More Portuguese surnames

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Frequently asked questions

What does the surname Santos mean?+

Saints. A religious surname, from "santos" (saints), often linked to the feast of All Saints.

Is Santos a common surname?+

Santos is a Portuguese-origin surname. Popularity varies widely by country and region, and the same surname can be common in one place and rare in another.

Can two families with the same surname be unrelated?+

Yes. Surnames, especially occupational and descriptive ones like this, were often adopted independently by many unrelated families who happened to share a trade, appearance, or location.

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