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Biggest Cities Named for Saints

Try to guess the world's most populous urban areas whose common English name is derived from a saint.
Urban area population, not city proper
According to citypopulation.de, January 2026
Might start with St., Saint, San, São, Santa, or Santo
Santiago is given so that nobody feels aggrieved
Quiz by
Quizmaster
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Last updated: March 11, 2026
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First submittedJanuary 3, 2011
Times taken95,432
Average score54.5%
Rating4.36
Quiz and answer stats >>
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Population
City
22.7 m
São Paulo
8.60 m
Santiago
7.70 m
San Francisco
6.35 m
Saint Petersburg
3.95 m
Santo Domingo
3.25 m
San Diego
Population
City
2.48 m
San José
2.45 m
San Antonio
2.35 m
St. Louis
1.99 m
Santa Cruz
1.91 m
San Juan
1.59 m
San Salvador
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92 Comments
Coyuznik
+25
Level 85
Jan 18, 2015
What? San Dimas is not on here? But San Dimas High School Football RULES!!
kalbahamut
+16
Level 79
Jan 30, 2015
You get an A on your history report.
Jeanettemartin
+2
Level 58
Mar 20, 2021
Bill and Ted would agree!
solaris3141
+1
Level 56
Mar 17, 2026
glendora better
scambigol
+10
Level 80
Jan 24, 2015
What about Sana'a? Perhaps in brackets like Santiago? Almost 2 million according to wikipedia
kalbahamut
+13
Level 79
Jan 30, 2015
I think there was a previous version of this quiz where there was a pretty silly argument about whether or not Santiago was really named for a saint or not. And the quiz title was slightly different. IMO those arguing against Santiago's inclusion were making pretty bad arguments but if I remember correctly QM decided to concede the point and removed Santiago from the quiz. Now it is back on but in brackets and given as a freebie, with a change to the title of the quiz, I guess in efforts to avoid the same argument. But, now a new issue has been raised since Sana'a, while not named for any saint obviously, does start with "san"... that didn't come up before.
Bonzo65
+31
Level 74
Jan 30, 2015
Santiago means Saint James so I don't see how it couldn't be included in this list as a genuine 'Saint City'. Maybe I'm missing something.
Juicyjoseph
+2
Level 56
Mar 18, 2026
I'm more surprised Santa Cruz is on the list, since it's not named for a saint, but means Holy Cross.
kalbahamut
+15
Level 79
Jan 30, 2015
If I recall correctly they were saying that the city was named after another city named Santiago or something along those lines and so therefore it wasn't named after the saint. But, of course, that's silly... like I said...
kalbahamut
+2
Level 79
May 1, 2019
and I think the name of the quiz was changed yet again.
fitheach
+24
Level 58
Oct 20, 2017
Sana'a might begin with San, but as the name of the quiz is about cities named after saints, common sense that Sana'a is not applicable.
kalbahamut
+7
Level 79
Dec 3, 2018
If we were all using common sense then the original argument wouldn't have taken place.
Sifhraven
+13
Level 76
Mar 15, 2020
If we we're all using common sense, most comment sections on this site would be empty.. Sad but true, though entertaining at times :) (though extremely tiresome at other times)
mikeb
+7
Level 65
Jan 30, 2015
Too bad it's not large enough to qualify because I would have liked to see the "Comments" debate as to whether Sandusky (Ohio) would be a legit answer.
Sifhraven
+2
Level 76
Mar 15, 2020
Apparently comes from polish, meaning from the orchard. It an several variations of it is a last name. Sadowski being one of them. Garth is a name with a similar meaning.
Quizzer3443
+3
Level 10
Jul 27, 2015
Well... I didn't read the instructions
garby95
+2
Level 61
Jul 6, 2016
San Luis Potosi, Mexico. (pop. 2,596,000 as in 2010)
Willfm24
+13
Level 85
Oct 10, 2016
You're thinking of the Mexican state of San Luis Potosi. The city has a population of around 700,000.
stevediverse
+4
Level 86
Jul 9, 2016
Santiago, Chile. approx 5.1mm, means Saint James
wisdom30knight
+4
Level 46
Mar 17, 2026
Saint James aged bad pal...
kalbahamut
+6
Level 79
Aug 3, 2016
Arrived in St Petersburg yesterday. Gorgeous city.
Elan
+3
Level 66
Feb 23, 2017
I'm pretty sure "santa" means holy...
kalbahamut
+21
Level 79
May 17, 2018
What do you think "saint" means?
kalbahamut
+6
Level 79
May 17, 2018
There's a clue about the etymology if you look at the Russian spelling of Sankt Peterburg.
jajaco2017
+2
Level 56
May 6, 2017
st Augustine (fl)

st paul de vence (france)

wisdom30knight
+1
Level 46
Mar 17, 2026
st augustine is a great city, been there in 2024.

there are lots of "st" cities btw, especially in europe, e.g. St Moritz (CH) or Saint-Etienne(FR)

CaliQuiz
+3
Level 10
Oct 20, 2017
San Francisco doesnt have a population of 7 million. San Jose is bigger yet listed with a lower population. The quiz either has to use city proper populations or metro populations but you cant use the CSA population that is a combination of both SJ and SF and only attribute it to SF.
idontkn1
+6
Level 94
Oct 20, 2017
This quiz like most that are featured on Jet Punk uses the populations of the very reputable web site, citypopulation.de specifically this list: http://citypopulation.de/world/Agglomerations.html. Sorry you don't like it but it's the gold standard for urban population centers on Jet Punk.
ander217
+7
Level 73
Oct 21, 2017
It gets confusing when talking about urban, metro, or city proper populations, and I don't even know what an "agglomeration" is - but that link doesn't work. I understand what Cali is saying about San Francisco. San Jose is both older and larger than San Francisco. According to Wikipedia the San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward metropolitan statistical area has a population of 4.6 million. If you count the 12-county combined statistical area (CSA) which also includes San Jose, the population is 8.7 million. I looked on the citypopulation.de website and it gives the population of San Francisco as 880,887 and San Jose as 1,025,350. However, the projected population of San Jose, Costa Rica for 2017 is listed as 1,621,400 so I'm guessing that is the San Jose listed in this quiz, and not the one in California which must already be grouped in with San Francisco.
djooky
+1
Level 47
Mar 24, 2026
Might be reputable, but most data in it are either a gross estimate or blatantly wrong. It does not fit with the official census of most European cities. San Francisco is never at 7.7 millions whatever wording is used (agglomeration, urban). Furthermore, the quiz itself states "urban", which would put San Francisco at 3.5 millions
TravelingMama
+9
Level 72
Oct 30, 2020
I'm guessing the San Jose mentioned here is the one in Costa Rica?
InfiniteBulk
+2
Level 73
Mar 20, 2021
No, the one in Northern California by Sacramento and San Francisco. San Jose, Costa Rica isn't nearly as populated.
Froststar101
+5
Level 73
Apr 21, 2023
Confidently incorrect.
HydratedMite
+1
Level 68
Sep 8, 2025
"Urban area population, not city proper"
chailattee
+1
Level 68
Mar 20, 2021
The quiz says urban population, not metro. San Francisco and San Jose are listed as two different metro areas but in reality are one continuous urban area
SpencerGT
+1
Level 68
Apr 20, 2023
I'm not sure it's the same San Jose.
Kenneth3748
+1
Level 52
Feb 25, 2022
ur wrong Caliquiz
Djilas
+8
Level 86
Oct 20, 2017
Please accept Sankt Peterburg. I had a temporary block and tried a few variations before remembering that it has an English name.
wolfcat95
+2
Level 66
Apr 22, 2023
An English name: like EVERYTHING on Jetpunk.
Malbaby
+11
Level 70
Nov 1, 2017
I think the gentleman in the photo was driving a car next to me at the traffic lights this morning.
InfiniteBulk
+1
Level 73
Mar 20, 2021
Best comment on JetPunk. Ever.
elephanteric
+2
Level 37
Jan 13, 2018
sandusky1 cedar point fo eva
IsleAuHaulte
+3
Level 92
Jan 21, 2020
I used to know a guy there who made high quality Callahan brake pads. R.I.P.
SpicyChicken
+3
Level 33
Mar 7, 2018
OMG I love the idea!!! Congrats :)
plattitude
+5
Level 94
Oct 3, 2018
I spent a good 30 seconds typing in things like Juan, Diego, and Paulo and was getting really frustrated. Can you please allow answers without the San/St/etc?
Quizmaster
+5
Level ∞
Oct 3, 2018
Okay
Antimatter
+9
Level 51
Dec 3, 2018
How the hell did I forget Saint Petersburg when I’m literally taking a degree in Russian?! *facepalms*
sharkpunk
+10
Level 87
Sep 9, 2019
If it makes you feel better, I am actually Russian and completely forgot about St Petersburg, I was trying to think of South American cities I might have missed.
Sifhraven
+7
Level 76
Mar 15, 2020
Would be worse if you were figuratively taking a degree in russian
CapDundas
+5
Level 64
Oct 30, 2020
What Santa Cruz is that?
Fuse
+8
Level 80
Mar 17, 2021
I assume it's the Santa Cruz (de la Sierra) in Bolivia
QuizApe
+1
Level 72
Apr 20, 2023
Why I google ‘Santa Cruz’ all results are for the ones in California and Tenerife.
Tisco
+1
Level 67
Apr 20, 2023
Yes, it is Santa Cruz, Bolivia, that has 2+ million people.
Zefyrinus
+5
Level 74
Mar 17, 2026
But is it a saint?
CardinalSin
+5
Level 82
Mar 17, 2026
No! definitely not. It should not be included in this quiz. Also I would question San Salvador. Jesus is the Son of God - not a saint.
Melissaaapuya
+2
Level 24
Mar 20, 2021
7/11
100Greats
+3
Level 56
Mar 20, 2021
This quiz is one I like! Pls check also ”World Capitals”: Saints, Ports, and Cities”, and be surprised! + give your comments, perhaps nominations:))
Wachipunk
+1
Level 61
Mar 21, 2021
What about Bogotá ? Its original name is «Santa Fe de Bogotá».
loganite
+2
Level 93
Mar 21, 2021
Santa Fe translates as "Holy Faith" and does not reference a saint.
Tisco
+10
Level 67
Apr 20, 2023
But Santa Cruz means "holy cross" and San Salvador means "holy savior."

More to the point, plain Bogota is the common name of the city and thus what is generally used by Jetpunk.

Falcones
+1
Level 60
Mar 23, 2021
Is correct this San Francisco's population? In citypopulation.de is 4,3 million
jakedapsmojo
+1
Level 28
May 12, 2021
Finally, I can comment.
eduardozepol200
+3
Level 65
Aug 22, 2021
congrats!
eduardozepol200
+2
Level 65
Aug 22, 2021
It doesn't have enough population but, would Asunción count? It's full name is "Nuestra Señora Santa María de la Asunción"
Quizmaster
+3
Level ∞
Mar 1, 2023
There are probably a lot more of these.
Wachipunk
+1
Level 61
Apr 21, 2023
Santa María de los Buenos Aires is one of them 😉🇦🇷
TurkeyCookTime
+1
Level 85
Apr 20, 2023
That wouldn't count anyway because Santa isn't the first word.
Raffles
+2
Level 81
Apr 20, 2023
"Santiago de Caracas"
Dperez
+2
Level 75
Apr 21, 2023
*Santiago de León de Caracas
brianbohn
+4
Level 98
Mar 11, 2022
"Santiago is given so that nobody feels aggrieved" aHahAhahAHhaaHAhha
Maxrazz
+10
Level 28
Apr 20, 2023
Technically, Santa Cruz isnt a saint named city, Santa Cruz means Holy Cross.
LordHydro
+1
Level 53
Mar 17, 2026
True, but I guess it doesn’t count. Santo Domingo should be excluded too if we go by that logic (Holy Sunday)
Gumbledalf
+7
Level 77
Mar 17, 2026
"In 1495 it was renamed "Santo Domingo", in honor of Saint Dominic." https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Santo_Domingo
CardinalSin
+2
Level 82
Mar 17, 2026
Santo Domingo = St Dominic.
alsoblue
+7
Level 37
Apr 20, 2023
Saint Paul, MN? I can see why it might not be included as Minneapolis is the larger city in the urban area, but the Twin Cities urban area has about 2.6 million people. Considering that the urban area is often referred to as Minneapolis–Saint Paul, I think it should be accepted as an answer.

Somewhat less convincing of an argument is the inclusion of San Bernardino, CA as well. It is the second largest city in the Inland Empire, often called the Riverside–San Bernardino urban area, home to 1.9 million people.

Also: St. Petersburg, FL – Second largest city in the Tampa Bay metro area (3.1 mil, can't find urban area pop. data)

Jemily
+3
Level 38
Apr 20, 2023
I have lived my entire life in Minneapolis and I didn't even consider St. Paul as an option until I saw this comment..! XD
SpartanLlama
+3
Level 79
Apr 20, 2023
Yeah I was thinking St. Paul too
GlassMonkeyOLD
+1
Level 69
Apr 20, 2023
No San Bernadino, or Santa Monica? I was just naming places in Californ.I.A.
wolfcat95
+1
Level 66
Apr 22, 2023
There is no city "San Bernadino" in California. San Bernardino, CA is probably counted in with CSA of Los Angeles though.
HAHAHA0429
+1
Level 24
Apr 20, 2023
No Seoul? Seoul has 9.67 million people!
CambodianQuizzer
+6
Level 77
Apr 20, 2023
Read the description, mate.
Cuimreach
+3
Level 58
Mar 17, 2026
Santiago should definitely be on the list. People who argue against it are being ridiculous.
MarcellDAvis
+5
Level 80
Mar 17, 2026
What about the city of Salvador in Brazil which has a population of 2.4 Million? Named after a saint (arguably), not startig with San, Santa etc.

On the other hand, the city of Santa Cruz starts with Santa but is not named after a saint.

Maybe rename the quiz?

sixtenben68
+8
Level 54
Mar 17, 2026
Santa Cruz means “Holy Cross.” Technically, not a saint.

San Salvador means “Holy Savior,” referring to Jesus. One can make semantical arguments on whether or not Jesus is considered a “saint.”

I initially thought Santo Domingo meant “Holy Sunday,” but it actually refers to St Dominic.

Weyo
+1
Level 55
Mar 17, 2026
St petersburg nearly got me :o
AdamH
+4
Level 74
Mar 17, 2026
So, saint has a specific meaning, and it's different from holy. Saint means someone who is in heaven. The holy cross is not in heaven in any theology I know of and is therefore not a saint.
rocamorar
+1
Level 80
Mar 17, 2026
Yeah, Santa Cruz doesn't belong in the list. It should be excluded (either that, or change the description of the quiz).

Also, on theological grounds, San Salvador should also be removed from the list.

freehuggs
+1
Level 68
Mar 17, 2026
Isn't Los Angeles named after Mary (Our Lady, Queen of the Angels)? Might be worth adding as a given answer. And seconding other comments - Santa Cruz is not named for a saint and shouldn't be here. Perhaps it could be here as a given answer, but I don't think it should be here at all since it pretty clearly does not fit the criteria.
hannesdewinter
+1
Level 52
Mar 17, 2026
San Sebastian??
pilates15
+1
Level 86
Mar 17, 2026
San Salvador? Although there are saints named Salvador, both the country and the city are named after Jesus, not a saint. In this case "san" means "holy". The country is named El Salvador, The Savior.. San Salvador mean Holy Savior..
fedfan04
+1
Level 51
Mar 17, 2026
São Sebastião do Rio de Janeiro.
Neodymium
+1
Level 63
Mar 21, 2026
no reason not to have santiago really other than that it doesn’t appear so
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