2007-10-17 08:53:53 · 20 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Because many California towns were founded or settled by Catholics. "Santa" or "San" means "Saint". Many of the towns were named after Catholic saints.
2007-10-17 08:57:26 · answer #1 · answered by solarius 7 · 5⤊ 0⤋
Since California (or as the natives now say "Mexi-cali") was originally Spanish settled, the word Santa in Spanish meant Saint and the streets and towns were named after Saints! Santa Barbara is Saint Barbara. Los Angels means The Angels.
2007-10-17 16:10:25 · answer #2 · answered by Rev. Kaldea 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Cali was once a mexican state and most of the communities were named for local missions. Once the US supported the revolt from mexico and aquired it soon after the names stayed. That is why most cities have Los or Santa in the name
2007-10-17 16:03:39 · answer #3 · answered by Dougal 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because most of the towns were founded around Spanish missions that were established to convert (and protect against) Native Americans.
They were traditionally named for Saints.
Towns in Texas share many of the same names (San Diego, San Antonio, etc) for the same reason.
EDIT: Just an FYI: Santa is spanish for a female saint, as in Santa Barbara or Santa Fe, and San is spanish for a male saint, such as San Francisco or San Diego.
2007-10-17 15:58:52 · answer #4 · answered by Annie 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
California was settled by Spain, and after the Revolution it became part of Mexico. President Polk wangled a war with Mexico in 1847-48 and took the territories of the Southwest from Mexico. Hence, many cities that date from the era are named after Spanis saints. Santa for feminine and San for masculine.
It was theirs before it was ours.
2007-10-17 16:02:21 · answer #5 · answered by john s 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The influence of Catholic Spain. You do know that Santa means Saint..Places were named for Saints..Santa Ana Saint Ann..Santa Barbara..you get it.. I LOVE California..the food, the people, the culture..It's great and I think every country in the world has given that state something wonderful
2007-10-17 15:59:12 · answer #6 · answered by PROBLEM 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It used to be part of Mexico. so They are named in a Spanish Santa or San Which means Female Saint and Male saint respectively. Remember Mexico was a highly Catholic country.
2007-10-17 15:59:38 · answer #7 · answered by Vidocq 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
A heavily Spanish influence from the early days. Most cities are Spanish influenced. Look at La Jolla, San Bernadino, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and so many more.
2007-10-17 15:59:20 · answer #8 · answered by dawnb 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
California used to be Spanish territory.
Santa is spanish for Saint.
I will assume that you are NOT American.
2007-10-17 15:58:00 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Because California was claimed as territory by Spain way in the beginning when the US was being populated
2007-10-17 15:58:52 · answer #10 · answered by ~$~Ace~$~ 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋