Santiago
Santiago is a boy name of Spanish origin meaning “Saint James”, pronounced san-tee-AH-goh. It ranked #26 in the United States in 2025, given to 7,554 babies, and peaked at #26 in 2025. Common nicknames: Santi, Yago.
How popular is Santiago in the United States?
Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
What does Santiago mean, and where does it come from?
Santiago is the Spanish form of "Saint James," derived from the Latin "Sanctus Iacobus." The name is inseparable from the Camino de Santiago, the historic pilgrimage route across Spain leading to the shrine of Saint James the Apostle in Santiago de Compostela. It is also the name of the capital cities of Chile and Cuba, reflecting the deep influence of Spanish colonization across the Americas. Santiago has become one of the most popular boy names among Spanish-speaking and English-speaking families alike, admired for its rhythmic sound and rich religious and cultural heritage.
How is Santiago used around the world?
Santiago is used in 3 languages worldwide, with 44+ international variants.
TypeMale given name
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
What are the nicknames for Santiago?
Famous People Named Santiago
- Santiago Bernabéu — former Real Madrid president and stadium namesake
- Santiago Calatrava — Spanish architect and engineer
- Santiago Ramón y Cajal — Spanish Nobel Prize-winning neuroscientist
Similar Names to Santiago
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Sibling Name Ideas for Santiago
Looking for names that pair well with Santiago? Here are some sibling name suggestions that share a similar style and feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Santiago mean?
Santiago is a boy name of Spanish origin meaning "Saint James." Santiago is the Spanish form of "Saint James," derived from the Latin "Sanctus Iacobus." The name is inseparable from the Camino de Santiago, the historic pilgrimage route across Spain leading to the shrine of Saint James the Apostle in Santiago de Compostela.
How do you pronounce Santiago?
Santiago is pronounced san-tee-AH-goh. Common variations include Diego, Iago, Jaime.
Is Santiago a boy name?
Yes, Santiago is traditionally a boy name. Popular nicknames include Santi, Yago.