The given name Santiago is derived from the Spanish form of the name St. James, which originated from the Latin Sanctus Iacobus. The name can be traced back to the early Christian era and its use spread throughout Europe, particularly in Spain and Portugal.

The name Santiago is closely associated with the apostle St. James the Great, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ. According to biblical accounts, St. James was the first apostle to be martyred, and his remains are believed to be buried in Santiago de Compostela, Spain. This association with the apostle contributed to the popularity of the name among Spanish and Portuguese Christians.

One of the earliest recorded uses of the name Santiago can be found in the Codex Calixtinus, a 12th-century manuscript that describes the life and miracles of St. James. The Codex Calixtinus played a significant role in promoting the cult of St. James and the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela, known as the Camino de Santiago.

Throughout history, several notable figures have borne the name Santiago. One of the most famous was Santiago Ramón y Cajal (1852-1934), a Spanish neuroscientist and pathologist who was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1906 for his pioneering work on the structure of the nervous system.

Another prominent figure was Santiago Carrillo (1915-2012), a Spanish communist politician who served as the General Secretary of the Communist Party of Spain from 1960 to 1982. He played a significant role in the transition to democracy in Spain after the death of Francisco Franco.

In the field of literature, Santiago Nasar was the fictional character and protagonist of Gabriel García Márquez's novel "Chronicle of a Death Foretold" (1981), which explored the themes of honor, fate, and the consequences of human actions.

The name Santiago was also borne by several historical figures in Latin America, such as Santiago de León (1672-1755), a Guatemalan politician and military leader who served as the Governor of Guatemala during the 18th century.

Additionally, Santiago Mariño (1788-1854) was a Venezuelan military leader and politician who played a crucial role in the Venezuelan War of Independence against Spanish colonial rule.

While the name Santiago has its roots in Spanish and Portuguese cultures, it has gained popularity in various parts of the world, particularly in Latin American countries, where it continues to hold cultural and religious significance.