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Original poster

Thoughts on Santiago

90 replies

KatRee · 10/07/2022 09:35

Hi all- would like to get an idea of initial reaction to the name Santiago - thoughts?

Also, if there are any Spanish people reading, could you tell me if Tiago is typically used as a nickname, or would you say it's more a standalone name in its own right? I know Santi is the most typical nn, but would ideally like something with different options

Thanks in advance

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midsomermurderess · 10/07/2022 20:56

Benjispruce4 · 10/07/2022 20:48

@GreatStuff67 I love the Spanish way of using both names. The U.K. tradition is so sexist May I ask what is the normal practice when they marry. So, two Spaniards marrying with 4 surnames between them?

You say UK, but in Scotland for a long time women would keep their own family names on marriage or be known by both that and their married name. It's seen a lot in old court cases, eg Mary McDonald or Sinclair

Benjispruce4 · 10/07/2022 20:55

Oh 😂 sorry!

SwedishEdith · 10/07/2022 20:54

Benjispruce4 · 10/07/2022 20:52

Lago. Some are saying Lago is James but the name is Santiago, no L.

It's a capital i > Iago.

Benjispruce4 · 10/07/2022 20:53

en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Santiago_de_Compostela

Benjispruce4 · 10/07/2022 20:52

Lago. Some are saying Lago is James but the name is Santiago, no L.

SwedishEdith · 10/07/2022 20:50

Benjispruce4 · 10/07/2022 20:46

@SwedishEdith not sure where the L comes in.

Which L?

I think Santiago sounds great and works in more Catholic countries. The French have Jean-Baptiste, which sounds gorgeous to me. But I am just puzzled that the shortening would be Tiago over Iago.

Benjispruce4 · 10/07/2022 20:48

@GreatStuff67 I love the Spanish way of using both names. The U.K. tradition is so sexist May I ask what is the normal practice when they marry. So, two Spaniards marrying with 4 surnames between them?

BoJoGoGo · 10/07/2022 20:48

I think Santi is fabulous for a girl or boy.

Benjispruce4 · 10/07/2022 20:46

@SwedishEdith not sure where the L comes in.

Benjispruce4 · 10/07/2022 20:46

It’s a bit like calling a child San Francisco (St Francis)

PinkPupZ · 10/07/2022 20:42

Reminds me of a charecter in Brooklyn 99

SwedishEdith · 10/07/2022 20:41

Benjispruce4 · 10/07/2022 19:45

Why not just use Tiago. Spanish for James?

Isn't it the Iago that's James? Sant Iago = Saint James/Jacob.

It's Celtic, apparently, hence why Welsh and Galician.

Benjispruce4 · 10/07/2022 20:40

@GreatStuff67 so is Tiago not Spanish for James?

GreatStuff67 · 10/07/2022 20:13

KatRee · 10/07/2022 18:32

Thanks for the feedback all- very helpful!

It seems quite a lot of people like the sound of the name or at least of the nn Santi and it doesn't seem to instantly conjure up many negative connotations (except for people from @SecretVictoria 's home town!)

Also enjoying the discussion about the origins of the use of various 'foreign' names as English names- very interesting!

I am slightly concerned that he's going to have to explain his parentage every time he introduces himself to someone in England, which might get really wearing. However, I feel its somewhat unavoidable as, like I said, we can't agree on any of the names that are the same both languages. If we give him a totally English name he's going to have the same issue in Spain...also he's likely to have at least one Spanish AND one English surname, which will probably generate questions as well as being a mouthful, but that's a conundrum for another day!

Hi OP ☺️

My DH is Spanish and I'm Scottish. We live in Scotland. Just reading your thing about the two surnames, my suggestion is use a hyphen! We did for our DC, so they're all SpanishSurname-ScottishSurname. I was a bit against the idea at first (I couldn't tell you why now haha) but DH and his brother who lives here too were both very pro the idea when I was first pregnant and we were working out what to do about first DCs last name. It honestly saves so much hassle from explain both parts are the surname. My DH is quite jealous actually as he's had lots of problems over the years with payslips, work computer accounts etc using the second part of this last name as his last name.

Also, regarding your thinking your DC will have to explain their parentage whenever they introduced themselves in England with a Spanish name, it's not been an issue for my lot (all have Spanish names). If anything it's just a 'My Dad's Spanish' and that's it. No problems, so I wouldn't let it concern you.

If you're having a middle name though be prepared for everyone is Spain to think it's the second part of the first name 🙃 DC get called Firstname Middlename all the time over there haha

Oh! And for Santiago - lovely name. DH says only nickname he's ever heard for it is Santi, and that Tiago is a Portuguese name so he would find a Santiago wanting to be called Tiago odd. He also says it's a nice name and he knows people of various ages called that (so not an only abeulo type name, if you're worried about that haha)

Benjispruce4 · 10/07/2022 19:47

Calling a child Santi is weird. It means saint. Would you call him Saint?

Benjispruce4 · 10/07/2022 19:45

Why not just use Tiago. Spanish for James?

Benjispruce4 · 10/07/2022 19:42

en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Santiago_de_Compostela

Benjispruce4 · 10/07/2022 19:41

I thought it meant St James. Would you call your son that? If not, don’t call him that in Spanish.

MysticCT · 10/07/2022 19:39

This is my favourite boys name , I think it's lovely.

Original poster
KatRee · 10/07/2022 19:34

@DeedIDo - yes-the more high-brow version!

@SwedishEdith Oh, I didn't know it was Welsh too! According to my ancestry DNA profile, I'm 7% Welsh - do you think that qualifies me to use it? 😆 it's nice to know if it means people are more likely to be familiar with it

@SiobhanSharpe That's interesting - I've never heard that name in Spain I don't think. And I like the nn Eddie, but can't use Edward/Eduardo due to associations...

Thanks for the positive feedback @Walkingtheplank @HoldingTheDoor. Feeling a bit more confident about it now

OP posts:
Walkingtheplank · 10/07/2022 19:06

Great connection @katree !

SiobhanSharpe · 10/07/2022 18:53

We have a Spanish neighbour, a very nice young chap, who is called Edgard.
That would work well in English too, you could drop the final D if you liked. Or not.

HoldingTheDoor · 10/07/2022 18:49

I love it. It's a wonderful name.

SwedishEdith · 10/07/2022 18:49

Iago is Welsh as well so works in the UK as well as Spain.

DeedIDo · 10/07/2022 18:49

KatRee · 10/07/2022 18:36

Meant to say to those suggesting Iago- I think that is maybe considered a separate name as well, although I do wonder if it could also be another option for nn. It always makes me think of the parrot from Aladdin!

And @Walkingtheplank the plank- yes, makes me think of Santiago de Compostela too, but that's where DP was born, so I like that connection ☺️

Or the baddie from Othello!

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