Santana
UnisexSpanish, Hebrew· “Saint Anne”
- Meaning
- Saint Anne
- Origin
- Spanish, Hebrew
- Pronunciation
- san-TAN-uh
- Syllables
- 3
- US rank 2025
- #855
- US babies 2025
- 285
- Best rank
- #544 (2020)
- Peak year
- 2020
Meaning and origin of Santana
Santana is a Spanish and Hebrew name that means “Saint Anne”.
Santana is a Spanish and Portuguese surname meaning Saint Anne, from Santa Ana, and it often began as the name of a place or church dedicated to her. Anne comes from the Hebrew Hannah, meaning grace or favor. The guitarist Carlos Santana, known for blending rock with Latin rhythms, made the surname famous worldwide. The Santa Ana winds of southern California are usually said to take their name from Santa Ana Canyon, itself named for the saint. The surname is widespread in Brazil, Mexico and the Caribbean. As a first name, Santana is used for both boys and girls in the United States.
Popularity over time
Santana first appears in US Social Security records in 1915. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 14 different years, starting in 2006. Its best national rank was #544 in 2020, the same year it reached its highest count of 522 babies. In 2025, 285 babies were named Santana, and it ranked #855 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #3,449 in 1920, #3,630 in 1950, #1,955 in 1980, #1,127 in 2000, #1,204 in 2010, and #855 in 2025. Of the 7,785 US boys named Santana since records began, 31% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2020s come next, with 2,396 babies.
Other babies' names that peaked around the same time include Finnley, Layne, Dior, Sky, and Khari.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Santana ranked highest in Colorado, Arizona, and California.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado | #436 | 14 |
| Arizona | #485 | 15 |
| California | #563 | 54 |
| Nevada | #585 | 5 |
| Indiana | #617 | 11 |
Gender, sound and spelling
Santana is used for both boys and girls: over the last 20 years about 26% of US babies named Santana were girls and 74% were boys.
Santana is usually pronounced san-TAN-uh, with three syllables. It has seven letters, starts with S and ends in “-na”.
Middle names for Santana
A few middle names that flow with Santana: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Santana
Similar names
Lists that include Santana
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Santana mean?
Santana is a Spanish and Hebrew name that means “Saint Anne”.
What is the origin of the name Santana?
Santana has Spanish and Hebrew roots. Santana is a Spanish and Portuguese surname meaning Saint Anne, from Santa Ana, and it often began as the name of a place or church dedicated to her.
Is Santana a popular name?
Yes. Santana ranked #855 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Santana a boy or girl name?
Santana is used for both boys and girls: over the last 20 years about 26% of US babies named Santana were girls and 74% were boys.
How do you pronounce Santana?
Santana is usually pronounced san-TAN-uh. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings