Thoughts on Santiago

[KatRee]

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

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

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.

I love it! Especially with the nickname Santi.

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.

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 😆

Our vet is Tiago. I actually rather like it.

Her Grandfather on her Mum side is Spanish.

The dc I know with this name is called Santi.

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. 😀

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

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.

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

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

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!

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!

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

I love it. It's a wonderful name.

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.

Great connection @katree !

@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

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

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

en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Santiago_de_Compostela

Why not just use Tiago. Spanish for James?