Origin & Meaning of the Santana Surname
What does the last name Santana mean?
The surname Santana carries the meaning "Family name of Hispanic/Latino origin." It is derived from the Spanish language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 60,667 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Santana ranks as the #556 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Santana come from?
The Santana surname has its roots in Spanish heritage. Names of Spanish origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Santana name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Santana trace back to Spanish. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Santana |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Family name of Hispanic/Latino origin |
| Origin | Spanish |
| Language | Spanish |
| US Rank (2010) | #556 |
| US Count (2010) | 60,667 |
| Per 100K People | 20.57 |
| First Letter | S |
Ethnic Distribution of Santana
According to the US Census, the Santana surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 60,667 Americans with the Santana last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 6.13% |
| Black | 1.31% |
| Hispanic | 91.59% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.54% |
| Native American | 0.11% |
| Two or More Races | 0.33% |
Popularity of Santana Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Santana surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Santana surname increased by 16,792 between 2000 and 2010.
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Other Spanish Surnames
Explore more surnames with Spanish roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same Spanish origin as Santana.
Frequently Asked Questions About Santana
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