US Popularity Rank: 1094

Origin: Portuguese

Meaning: Holy, saintly Anne; Follower of Saint Anne

Santana is a Spanish and Portuguese name beloved throughout South America that is a great choice for a spiritual family. It means “holy” or “saintly Anne” or “follower of Saint Anne,” the patron saint of unmarried women, housewives, grandmothers, and women in labor. Perhaps surprisingly, considering this namesake, Santana is a gender-neutral name inspired by the habitational last name. It was popularized as a boy’s name by the American rock band Santana, led by Mexican-American singer and guitarist Carlos Santana. For girls, it is perhaps best known as the name of one of the cheerleaders at William McKinley High School in the television show Glee.