Is Santos a boy's or girl's name?

Santos is primarily a boy's name. It is also used as a girl's name, with 2,759 recorded births.

When was Santos most popular?

Santos reached its peak popularity in 2023 with 314 births that year. It is currently ranked #833 in the U.S.

How popular is the name Santos?

Santos is currently ranked #833 in the U.S. (2024). It has been given to 18,473 babies since 1880.

Santos

A familiar Spanish name with steady appeal.

Boy's name| Also girlsSpanishRising fast Also a pet name

#833▼ 38in 2024

Meaning & Origin

plural of Santo

Santos is a boy's and girl's baby name of Spanish origin, the plural of santo meaning "saints," rooted in the Latin sanctus (holy). It is traditionally given to children born on All Saints Day (November 1st) in Catholic tradition, making it a name with deep religious meaning.

Santos has been a consistent presence in the United States, particularly within Mexican-American and Puerto Rican communities. Its plural form is unusual among given names, giving it a distinctive quality — as if the child carries the protection of multiple saints.

Compare Santos with another name

Popularity Over Time

Santos has 129+ years of history in the U.S., first appearing in 1880.

Popularity by Decade

Decade-by-decade popularity data for Santos
Decade	Births	Avg Rank	Trend
2020s	1,404	#855	▼
2010s	2,245	#935	▼
2000s	2,613	#754	▲
1990s	2,158	#717	▲
1980s	1,856	#660	▲
1970s	1,748	#621	▲
1960s	1,526	#624	▲
1950s	1,351	#636	▲
1940s	1,137	#608	▲
1930s	843	#659	▼
1920s	1,047	#621	▲
1910s	397	#935	▲
1900s	128	#750	▲
1890s	10	#1217	—
1880s	10	#1099	—

Year-by-Year Data

View complete yearly data(129 years, 1880–2024)

Year-by-year popularity data for the name Santos
Year	Births	Rank	Change
2024	297	#833	-17 (-5.4%)
2023	314	#795	+37 (13.4%)
2022	277	#871	+4 (1.5%)
2021	273	#857	+30 (12.3%)
2020	243	#920	+23 (10.5%)
2019	220	#975	+15 (7.3%)
2018	205	#1010	-3 (-1.4%)
2017	208	#985	-7 (-3.3%)
2016	215	#962	-21 (-8.9%)
2015	236	#914	-1 (-0.4%)
2014	237	#907	-5 (-2.1%)
2013	242	#874	+30 (14.2%)
2012	212	#956	-18 (-7.8%)
2011	230	#896	-10 (-4.2%)
2010	240	#874	-14 (-5.5%)
2009	254	#846	-40 (-13.6%)
2008	294	#757	+21 (7.7%)
2007	273	#792	-29 (-9.6%)
2006	302	#717	+43 (16.6%)
2005	259	#768	+23 (9.7%)

Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.

Santos as a Girl's Name

Though more common for boys, Santos has a notable history as a girl's name too, with 2,759 births since 1885.

Unranked

Current rank

2,759

Total births

1924

Peak year

Compare Santos as boy vs girl

Frequently Asked

Can Santos be used for both boys and girls?

Yes, Santos is used for both boys and girls. As a boy's name, it currently ranks #833. As a girl's name, it is not currently in the top rankings.

Santos has two lives

Santos, the baby name

#833boys

18,473 babies

Currently viewing

Last updated May 2026 · Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (1880–2024) · Methodology