what does san anselmo mean

San Anselmo means “Saint Anselm” in Spanish. The town name refers to Saint Anselm of Canterbury, and the name likely reflects Spanish-era naming influence in California.

Meaning

• “San” means “Saint.”
• “Anselmo” is the Spanish form of “Anselm.”
• So the full place name means “Saint Anselm”.

Background

San Anselmo, California, is named after the Christian saint Anselm of Canterbury, who was a medieval church figure. The naming fits the broader Spanish influence on many place names in the region.