Sáez is a Spanish patronymic surname, a variant of Sánchez, meaning "son of Sancho".Etymology and OriginThe surname Sáez derives from the medieval given name Sancho, which is believed to originate from the Late Latin name Sanctius, itself derived from sanctus meaning "saintly, holy". Some scholars suggest an alternative Iberian origin predating Latin influence. Similarly to Sánchez, Sáez was formed by adding the patronymic suffix -ez (meaning "son of") to the root Sancho. Over time, phonetic evolution led to the variant Sáez, particularly in certain regions of Spain.Notable BearersWhile less internationally known than Sánchez, the surname Sáez is common in Spain. Notable bearers include Spanish footballer Jesús Sáez and musician Carlos Sáez. The name also appears in historical records, though detailed documentation is limited.Geographic DistributionAccording to official data from the Instituto Nacional de Estadística (INE) in 2016, Sáez was held as a first surname by 47,127 individuals and as a second surname by 47,774 in Spain. It is especially prevalent in Madrid, Valencia, Barcelona, Alicante, Murcia, Albacete, and Almería.Variant FormsApart from Sánchez and Sáez, other patronymic variants of Sancho include Sanchez (common in Latin America) and Sanz, all reflecting regional phonetic differences.Meaning: "son of Sancho"Root: Sancho (“saintly, holy”)Origin: Spanish patronymic surnameUsage: Primarily in Spain and Latin America