Why is "Santiago" the equivalent of "James"?

Question

Most Spanish names are quite similar to the equivalent in English, such as:- Juan → John- Pedro → Peter- Maria → MaryBut what's up with this one?- Santiago → JamesWhat's the connection? How do the twain meet?Are there other unusual Spanish/English name combinations like this?

Answer 1

In reference to your question I like the answer given. Also, FYI, ‘San’ and ’Santo’ mean Saint (masculino) as in the cities of San Francisco and Santo Domingo. Similarily, ‘Santa’ means Saint (femenino) as in the city Santa Monica.

Teri

Jennifer C.,

I wanted to thank you for your answer! I am highly experienced in teaching Spanish but have not sure I have learned this fact. It’s always lovely to learn something new or at least something I maybe already knew but has since has been dusted over in my brain. Regardless, thank you! Also, nice follow-up article.

Answer 2

While I will admit that I am not sure of the complete origin story for the names, Santiago is actually a combined form of San Diego, or Saint James, mostly likely going back to Hebrew or ancient Greek. If they won't strip out the link, here's a good article that goes into more detail, if you're interested: www.thoughtco.com/james-and-diego-common-origin-3079192