Santina

Origin and meaning of Santina

Santina is an Italian name, the feminine and pet form of Santo or Santino, from Latin sanctus, 'holy, sacred' — meaning 'little saint.' It is a devotional name carrying a wish for virtue and heavenly protection. Common above all in southern Italy in the first half of the twentieth century, it now has a warm, slightly old-fashioned tone. Rare outside Italy, where it is felt as typically Italian, it keeps the simple, warm charm of names rooted in popular religious tradition.