Santa is named after a St.Nicholas an honest to God saint.

The historical Saint Nicholas is commemorated and revered among Anglican,[8] Catholic, Lutheran, and Orthodox Christians. In addition, some Baptist,[9] Methodist,[10] Presbyterian,[11] and other Reformed churches have been named in honor of Saint Nicholas.[12] Saint Nicholas is the patron saint of sailors, merchants, archers, repentant thieves, children, brewers, pawnbrokers and students in various cities and countries around Europe.