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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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Original poster
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 ☺️

OP posts:
Original poster
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!

OP posts:
Titsflyingsouth · 10/07/2022 17:18

I know a Tiago, but that's his name. It's not short for anything...

ladycarlotta · 10/07/2022 14:59

Santiago is lovely, OP, and given he will have a Spanish parent and potentially even live in Spain, it seems a great choice.

ladycarlotta · 10/07/2022 14:58

TwigTheWonderKid · 10/07/2022 14:07

Obviously it's true that they are now well-established, but someone had to introduce, use and establish them, didn't they? The names we use, like our language, are constantly evolving.

Yes , Olivia was well used hundreds of years before Shakespeare as it's a Roman name but don't forget Twelfth Night is not set in England and all the characters have Italian names so your argument there doesn't make sense.

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It's not a Roman name. The Roman version is Livia and that's what was used in Italy in Shakespeare's time. Olivia is Shakespeare's invention for a fantasy idea of 'foreign'-ness for an English audience, same as his creation of Jessica from the Hebrew name Iscah or Yiska, Imogen from Innogen which itself was never really a name, just a fanciful Latinised version of Inghean. If you're looking to Shakespeare for any kind of factual accuracy in terms of history or geography you're not too smart. He just wanted to tell a good story and invent cute names that met his audience's own tastes.

SecretVictoria · 10/07/2022 14:57

plugee · 10/07/2022 14:13

I would never use ‘Santi’ as a nn as there’s a takeaway where I live called ‘Santi-Bag’.

These threads are golden. I mean how relevant is the above 😆

Depends where you live…🙃.
I’d forever associate it with the takeaway down the side road near the train station!

Walkingtheplank · 10/07/2022 14:27

I think it's beautiful.
I wouldn't shorten it.
I do know a French/Moroccan Tiago but think that'shis full name.

I'd also have to stop myself saying 'de Compostela' each time I hear it. 😀

calmlakes · 10/07/2022 14:23

The dc I know with this name is called Santi.

lovesweetlovesweet · 10/07/2022 14:22

USaYwHatNow · 10/07/2022 10:27

Isn't that what Dani Dyer called her little boy? I thought it was a strange choice as I don't think they have Spanish ties or heritage

Her Grandfather on her Mum side is Spanish.

DeedIDo · 10/07/2022 14:21

Our vet is Tiago. I actually rather like it.

plugee · 10/07/2022 14:13

I would never use ‘Santi’ as a nn as there’s a takeaway where I live called ‘Santi-Bag’.

These threads are golden. I mean how relevant is the above 😆

TwigTheWonderKid · 10/07/2022 14:07

DuchessOfSausage · 10/07/2022 13:42

@TwigTheWonderKid , but those names are established ones in the UK. Olivia, for example, is a shakespearean character. Santiago isn't.

Obviously it's true that they are now well-established, but someone had to introduce, use and establish them, didn't they? The names we use, like our language, are constantly evolving.

Yes , Olivia was well used hundreds of years before Shakespeare as it's a Roman name but don't forget Twelfth Night is not set in England and all the characters have Italian names so your argument there doesn't make sense.

octoberfarm · 10/07/2022 14:06

I love it! Especially with the nickname Santi.

LT2 · 10/07/2022 13:56

USaYwHatNow · 10/07/2022 10:27

Isn't that what Dani Dyer called her little boy? I thought it was a strange choice as I don't think they have Spanish ties or heritage

Someone may have already said this but I'm sure I read that she has Spanish roots from her mother's side, which is why she named him Santiago.

DrDetriment · 10/07/2022 13:55

Given the Spanish connection go for it. It's a lovely name and Santi is a sweet nickname for a little one.

SecretVictoria · 10/07/2022 13:51

Mr friends husband is Tiago, they’re Brazilian. I would never use ‘Santi’ as a nn as there’s a takeaway where I live called ‘Santi-Bag’.

DuchessOfSausage · 10/07/2022 13:42

@TwigTheWonderKid , but those names are established ones in the UK. Olivia, for example, is a shakespearean character. Santiago isn't.

ofwarren · 10/07/2022 13:34

Great name
I prefer the nickname Santi though.

RightOnTheEdge · 10/07/2022 13:31

I love the name!

Luredbyapomegranate · 10/07/2022 13:27

Just read the update. If your husband is Spanish there’s no issue at all.

Luredbyapomegranate · 10/07/2022 13:25

TwigTheWonderKid · 10/07/2022 10:26

But there are thousands of Olivias, Isabella's,Sophies, Charlottes and Louiss in the UK with presumably no family connections to Italy or France. Should these names also not be used?

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I know what you mean, but Sophie, Charlotte and Louis etc, have all been popular here for hundreds of years, brought in by various Queen consorts and Hanoverian Kings. Santiago hasn’t so it sounds odd if there isn’t a reason for it.

Actually Isabella and Isabel were the original forms of the Hebrew Elisheva in Britain (coming in around the Norman conquest). The Elizabeth version only came in later via some middle European saint, it didn’t get popular till the late mediaeval period.

Roselilly36 · 10/07/2022 12:40

Only ever met one, he was a lovely man (Spanish) nn Santi

JaninaDuszejko · 10/07/2022 12:37

SwedishEdith · 10/07/2022 12:29

Wouldn't Iago be the short form?

That's what I would have thought. But I guess it's like St John (Sinjin) in English and is seen as a separate name.

SwedishEdith · 10/07/2022 12:29

Wouldn't Iago be the short form?

midsomermurderess · 10/07/2022 12:29

But the, your husband us Spanish so why not.

Names like Olivia etc have been used in Britain for time out of mind so seem almost British. Santiago isn’t, or isn’t yet, in that category.

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