Over 50 geographic sites or features worldwide are called by the phrase holy faith Santa Fe. The same name also appears in historical expeditions, music, movies, books, churches, and even on naval ships. Some applications of the name have become famous landmarks, while others leave one wondering if the user gave any thought to the meaning of the phrase. The majority of the usage occurs in North and South America and is the result of local language interpretation of the religion of Catholic settlers and conquistadors. The Portuguese and Spanish languages render the name as Saint Faith, while the French version is Sainte-Foy.

Famous Places

o The Church of the Holy Faith, Santa Fe, stands in the city it is named after in New Mexico, USA. The church has been a landmark of the city for over 130 years and is a part of the Episcopal Diocese of the Rio Grande.
o Disneyland Resort Paris opened a hotel of the name in France in 1992 that features Pueblo design and landscaping to recreate the desert Southwest.
o Located in Mexico City is a major business district bearing the name. It features the largest shopping mall in Mexico and three college campuses in addition to numerous high rise office buildings.
o A province and capital city so named in Argentina has experienced recent steady economic growth due to its suitability for growing soybeans. It is also the location of a major Argentinean sea port.

Historical Uses

o San Diego, California, originally called its bus and train depot holy faith, Santa Fe Depot. It was rededicated in 1919 with the well-known name Union Station.
o Both the United States and Argentina have commissioned multiple naval vessels bearing the name. One such US ship saw extensive action in the Pacific during World War II, and an Argentine vessel was captured during the Falklands War by the British.
o The years 1940, 1951 and 1955 saw American movie releases under the name and starring some of the most famous Western actors of the time including Randolph Scott.

Odd Applications

o If the name means holy faith, Santa Fe is an odd title for a nude photo book. Apparently, Rie Miyazawa didn't think so when she released her pictorial.
o A tobacco company of the name produces Natural American Spirit cigarettes. Certain American groups have lobbied to stop the use of the cigarette brand because some people misunderstand natural as meaning healthier, which we know cigarettes are not.
o A Cuban band bearing the name performed on Spain's Mision Eurovision contest. Ironically, the leader is a rap artist, and one of the band's most well-known songs is Fruto Prohibido, or Forbidden Fruit, about passion and sex.

Gary Pearson is an accomplished niche website developer and author.