Sancho is a name of Spanish origin, derived from the given name Sancho, which is a diminutive form of the Spanish given name Santiago. Santiago itself means "Saint James" and is a patron saint in Spain.
The name Sancho was popularized by the character Don Quixote's loyal companion, Sancho Panza, in Miguel de Cervantes' novel "Don Quixote de la Mancha." However, it has been used as a personal name long before that, as there were several historical figures named Sancho, including Sancho I of León and Sancho II of Castile.
While the name Sancho is not particularly common today, it has been used in various forms over centuries. It has gained some popularity recently due to its unique sound and Spanish heritage. As for its meaning, it simply means "Saint James," which can evoke images of chivalry, faith, and Spanish culture.
The statistics regarding the name Sancho in the United States from 1972 to 1993 show a fluctuating trend in its popularity. The highest number of births was recorded in 1977 with eight babies being given the name Sancho, indicating that it may have been more fashionable during this period compared to other years.
However, the popularity of the name seems to have decreased subsequently, with only six births in 1979 and five births each in 1982, 1991, and 1993. This decline could suggest a shift in parental preferences towards other names during these years.
Over this twelve-year span, a total of thirty-four babies were named Sancho in the United States. Despite its ups and downs in popularity, the name Sancho has maintained a consistent presence among baby names during this period. It is always interesting to observe how trends in naming evolve over time, as seen in these statistics regarding the name Sancho.