Name Directory by Last Name: Last Names Starting with Sa

The surname Sanders has its historical roots in the medieval period, deriving from the given name "Alexander," which means "defender of the people" in Greek. The name was popularized in Europe, particularly in England, where it evolved into various forms, including Sanders, Sander, and Sanderson.

The surname Saunders has its historical roots in England, deriving from the medieval given name "Alexander," which itself comes from the Greek name Alexandros, meaning "defender of men." The name was often used in the form of "Sander" or "Saunder," with the suffix "-s" indicating "son of." The earliest recorded instances of the surname date back to the 13th century, particularly in the regions of Kent and Sussex. Over time, the surname became associated with various occupations, including farming and trade, reflecting the agrarian society of medieval England.

The surname Sanchez has its roots in the Spanish language, deriving from the given name "Sancho," which itself is of Latin origin, meaning "sacred" or "holy." The surname first appeared in medieval Spain, particularly during the 12th century, as a patronymic surname indicating "son of Sancho." This naming convention was common in Spanish culture, where surnames often reflected lineage. Over time, individuals bearing the surname Sanchez were associated with various occupations, including farming and trade, reflecting the agrarian society of medieval Spain.

The surname Savage has its historical roots in medieval England, deriving from the Old French word "sauvage," meaning "wild" or "untamed." It first appeared in the 12th century, often as a nickname for someone who exhibited wild or fierce characteristics, or perhaps for those living in remote, untamed areas. The name was also associated with individuals who were thought to embody the traits of the wilderness, such as strength and independence.

The surname Sawyer has its historical roots in England, deriving from the Old English term "sawier," which means "woodcutter" or "one who saws wood." This occupational surname first appeared in the medieval period, around the 12th century, when surnames began to be adopted as a means of identifying individuals based on their profession or social role. The sawyer was an essential figure in society, particularly in the context of timber production and construction, reflecting the importance of wood as a resource in medieval England.

The surname Sanderson has its historical roots in England and Scotland, deriving from the given name "Sanders," which itself is a diminutive of "Alexander." The name Alexander comes from the Greek "Alexandros," meaning "defender of men." The earliest records of the surname date back to the 13th century, with variations appearing in various forms such as "Sanders" and "Sander." Over time, the surname Sanderson became associated with various occupations, particularly in agriculture and trade, as many bearers of the name were involved in farming or local commerce. The name reflects a lineage of individuals who were often seen as protectors or leaders within their communities, embodying the traits of strength and resilience. Culturally, the surname Sanderson has seen variations across different regions, particularly in the British Isles.

The surname Sampson has its historical roots in the biblical name Samson, which is derived from the Hebrew word "shimshon," meaning "sun." The name first appeared in England during the medieval period, particularly after the Norman Conquest of 1066, when it was introduced by the Normans who brought it from France. Over time, the surname evolved, with variations such as Sampson and Sampsonson emerging.

The surname Sanford has its historical roots in England, with its earliest appearances dating back to the medieval period. The name is derived from the Old English elements "sand," meaning sandy, and "ford," referring to a river crossing.

The surname Sargent has its historical roots in medieval England, deriving from the Old French word "sergent," which means "servant" or "attendant." The name first appeared in the 12th century, often associated with individuals who held positions of service, particularly in military or administrative roles. As the feudal system developed, those bearing the surname were likely to have been involved in various occupations, including law enforcement or military service, reflecting a social role that was both respected and essential in maintaining order.

The surname Sanches has its historical roots in the Iberian Peninsula, particularly in Spain and Portugal, where it is believed to have originated during the Middle Ages. The name is derived from the given name "Sancho," which itself comes from the Latin "Sanctius," meaning "sacred" or "holy." Sanches, as a patronymic surname, indicates "son of Sancho," and it reflects the common practice of using the father's name to form surnames in Spanish and Portuguese cultures.

The surname Santos has its roots in the Spanish and Portuguese languages, deriving from the word "santo," which means "saint." Historically, it is believed to have first appeared in the Iberian Peninsula, particularly in regions where Christianity was prominent, around the 12th century. The name was often given to individuals who were associated with religious institutions or who were venerated for their piety.

The surname Salmon has its historical roots in the Old French word "salmon," which refers to the fish of the same name, derived from the Latin "salmo." The surname likely originated in medieval England and France, where it was used as a nickname for someone who either caught or sold salmon, or perhaps someone who lived near a river abundant with the fish. The surname can be traced back to the 12th century, with early records appearing in various forms, including "Salmon" and "Salmonne." Over time, it became associated with various occupations, particularly in fishing and trade, reflecting the importance of salmon as a food source and economic commodity in medieval society.

The surname Sadler has its historical roots in England, deriving from the Old English word "sæd," meaning "saddle." It originally referred to someone who made or sold saddles, a vital occupation in medieval society, particularly in the context of the feudal system where horses were essential for transportation and warfare. The earliest recorded instances of the surname can be traced back to the 13th century, with variations appearing in different regions.

The surname Sands has its historical roots primarily in England, where it is believed to have originated as a topographical name for someone who lived near sandy ground or a sandy area. The name is derived from the Old English word "sand," which refers to the granular material found in various landscapes.

The surname Samuel has deep historical roots, primarily derived from the Hebrew name "Shmuel," meaning "God has heard." It first appeared in ancient Hebrew texts and has been used throughout Jewish history, particularly in the context of biblical figures, such as the prophet Samuel in the Old Testament. Over time, the surname became associated with various occupations, often linked to religious roles, scholarship, and leadership within Jewish communities.

The surname Salazar has its historical roots in the Iberian Peninsula, particularly in Spain and Portugal, where it is believed to have originated in the medieval period. The name is derived from the Basque words "sala," meaning "hall" or "mansion," and "zar," which translates to "place" or "location." This suggests that the surname may have originally referred to individuals who lived near or worked in a significant hall or estate.

The surname Santiago has deep historical roots, primarily associated with the Spanish and Portuguese cultures. Its origins can be traced back to the Latin name "Santiaguus," which means "Saint James," a reference to the apostle James, who is the patron saint of Spain.

The surname Sage has its historical roots in the Old French word "sage," meaning wise or prudent, which reflects a quality highly valued in medieval society. The name likely emerged in the 12th century, particularly in regions of France, before spreading to England and other parts of Europe following the Norman Conquest of 1066.

The surname Sato has its historical roots in Japan, where it is one of the most common surnames. The name Sato (佐藤) is composed of two kanji characters: "佐" (sa), meaning "to help" or "to assist," and "藤" (to), which refers to wisteria, a plant that holds cultural significance in Japan.

The surname Sauer has its roots in the German-speaking regions of Europe, particularly in Germany and Austria, where it is believed to have originated in the medieval period. The name is derived from the Middle High German word "sûr," meaning "sour" or "bitter," which may have originally referred to a person who lived near a sour or bitter-tasting spring or perhaps someone with a sour disposition.